Volvo D2-55 (year 2002) Alternator

[SoonerSailor]

I'm giving some thought to upgrading the alternator on my recently purchased HR36. When I google for an alternator for this engine, many vendors offer up this one 115A alternator

Details on this alternator are lacking, i.e. what is the set point of the internal regulator. Most pictures show a pulley for a serpentine belt, but again no information on that.

Anyone have experience with this (truck?) alternator?

Thanks
Chip

[john61ct]

Just get a unit that accepts, or can be converted to use, the Balmar MC-614.

Then you can adjust it how you like, including for future different bank chemistries.

Also ensure the pulley ratio is optimized, up to maybe 75% rating at high-idle output. And cooling. . .

[SoonerSailor]

Thanks for the advice. I'm quite familiar with the Balmar products and have used them, but still interested if anyone has experience with this particular alternator. I have my own reason for wanting to know the set point of the internal regulator too.

Chip

[DougR]

Do you have this 115a alternator w/ serpentine belt? or do you have the 65 a unit with the v belt?

Doug R

[john61ct]

Email: info@rareelectrical.com

ref their model # ZABGDEXXA1

http://www.rareelectrical.com/i-2690...f-3803650.html

[SoonerSailor]

Originally Posted by DougR

Do you have this 115a alternator w/ serpentine belt? or do you have the 65 a unit with the v belt?

Doug R

I have the 65A with V belt.

[DougR]

Here is some info on your alternator...

DougR

[SoonerSailor]

Thanks for the data sheet on the original alternator, but I'm really looking for an upgraded alternator, and thought the one referred to above might be a reasonably priced choice. OTOH I'm starting to lean toward a Balmar alt/reg/serpentine kit after all.

[john61ct]

Most any alt can be adapted to use the MC-614.

The Balmar alts themselves don't have any secret sauce AFAIK

Match the mount type and fan direction, and a Leece Neville truck alt will be great value, rebuilt ones in the 120-250A range for well under $200 abound.

But getting a pulley swapped out can be pricey. . .

[SoonerSailor]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Most any alt can be adapted to use the MC-614.

The Balmar alts themselves don't have any secret sauce AFAIK

Match the mount type and fan direction, and a Leece Neville truck alt will be great value, rebuilt ones in the 120-250A range for well under $200 abound.

But getting a pulley swapped out can be pricey. . .

I think Rod Collins of marinehowto.com has decided that the current Balmar alternators are a cut above the less expensive truck alternators.

[DougR]

OK, misunderstood what you were after....

The 115amp Mitsubishi unit used on the current Volvo diesel engines is a pretty robust unit that has been very reliable. It is internally regulated but can easily be modified to accept external control.

Unfortunately it will require some engine modifications to fit on your engine:
1. Your current alternator has a single 2 inch mounting foot, and the 115a unit mounts with two feet. You would have to modify your starboard front engine mount bracket somewhat to accept the alternator. (not too hard, but needs to be done)
2. Change out the crankshaft pulley to that from a D2-55C or later with the serpentine pulley
3. Change circulation pump pulley to the serpentine version.

An alternative strategy might be to leave your existing alternator alone and to add a second alternator which can be remotely controlled. Volvo makes brackets and pulleys to mount second alternators, or you could go with aftermarket units.

Here is the info on the Mitsubishi 115 amp unit....

DougR

[SoonerSailor]

Originally Posted by DougR

OK, misunderstood what you were after....

The 115amp Mitsubishi unit used on the current Volvo diesel engines is a pretty robust unit that has been very reliable. It is internally regulated but can easily be modified to accept external control.

Unfortunately it will require some engine modifications to fit on your engine:
1. Your current alternator has a single 2 inch mounting foot, and the 115a unit mounts with two feet. You would have to modify your starboard front engine mount bracket somewhat to accept the alternator. (not too hard, but needs to be done)
2. Change out the crankshaft pulley to that from a D2-55C or later with the serpentine pulley
3. Change circulation pump pulley to the serpentine version.

An alternative strategy might be to leave your existing alternator alone and to add a second alternator which can be remotely controlled. Volvo makes brackets and pulleys to mount second alternators, or you could go with aftermarket units.

Here is the info on the Mitsubishi 115 amp unit....

DougR

Great. Thanks for the good info Doug.

Chip