Mercruiser 3.0 Alternator Replacement

[Motormaniac801]

Just got back form the marina with a quote of $195 for an alternator for my 1987 Renken 2052 I/O with a 3.0 I4 Mercriuser. The part number he gave was "12176N Mando". Now Ive heard the automotive and marine are identical, with the exception that the marine has a coating on the coil and rectifier to prevent igniting fuel vapors in the hull. Whether this is true or not, any one have any thoughts on running the automotive alternators which wholesales at 1/4 of the cost of the marine.
Or perhaps is anyone familiar with a replacement marine alternator that might be cheaper or a website that offers them cheaper? Any thoughts, concerns, and considerations would be great.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alternator Replacement

Just got back form the marina with a quote of $195 for an alternator for my 1987 Renken 2052 I/O with a 3.0 I4 Mercriuser. The part number he gave was "12176N Mando". Now Ive heard the automotive and marine are identical, with the exception that the marine has a coating on the coil and rectifier to prevent igniting fuel vapors in the hull. Whether this is true or not, any one have any thoughts on running the automotive alternators which wholesales at 1/4 of the cost of the marine.
Or perhaps is anyone familiar with a replacement marine alternator that might be cheaper or a website that offers them cheaper? Any thoughts, concerns, and considerations would be great.

A marine alternator has the internal components which may generate a spark, shielded from the outside atmosphere.

My thoughts on running an automotive style alternator on a boat;
Foolish, dangerous, last thing someone may do in their life.

Any latent fuel vapor entering an unshielded alternator is a wick to make the boat into a bomb.

Stick with a marine alternator. In fact, you may be able to get your original alternator rebuilt by a rebuilder for far cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alternator Replacement

any one have any thoughts on running the automotive alternators which wholesales at 1/4 of the cost of the marine.
Or perhaps is anyone familiar with a replacement marine alternator that might be cheaper or a website that offers them cheaper?

Ayuh,... DON'T....
RJ 454 explains Why....

Have ya looked right here at iboats,..??
Click on the "Marine Store" button, top left side of this page, 'n follow the prompts...

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alternator Replacement

Take it off and have it rebuilt. It will be cheaper.

 

[Motormaniac801]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alternator Replacement

Thanks for the advice. I ended up finding one on Ebay new for 85 shipped. Hopefully that'll get me back on the water ASAP