Visit our Popular Forums

sanibel sailor · 19-05-2013, 17:35

A friend needs an alternator for his Yanmar 3GM30F. Out in the boonies but there is an auto parts store nearby. Is there an automotive model that will bolt in? Anyone has a cross reference? Some auto parts stores only want to know year/make/model and don't know or care enough to hunt for a match.

TheOffice · 19-05-2013, 17:53

Do not use an auto alternator. It is not spark protected.

Kettlewell · 19-05-2013, 17:55

Quote:

Do not use an auto alternator. It is not spark protected.

Doesn't matter on a diesel engine. I'm not certain the OEM Yanmar alternators are ignition protected either.

Kettlewell · 19-05-2013, 18:15

Take a look at this advertisement on Amazon--it has a lot of cross-reference information in it. I have no idea if it is accurate.

delmarrey · 19-05-2013, 18:46

Go here>>> Alternator | Hitachi Replacement Yanmar Marine Diesel
or here>>> New Hitachi Yanmar 12 Volt 35 Amp Alternator: Alternators &amp Alternator

Kinda depends on what amp you want.

lockie · 19-05-2013, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

Doesn't matter on a diesel engine. I'm not certain the OEM Yanmar alternators are ignition protected either.

That's right.

If you can find an auto alternator that has the right spacing of relationship of shaft, bracket etc, buy a bucketful, then let the world know.

There'll be a rush to the wreckers.

sanibel sailor · 19-05-2013, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockie

That's right.

If you can find an auto alternator that has the right spacing of relationship of shaft, bracket etc, buy a bucketful, then let the world know.

There'll be a rush to the wreckers.

Sounds like others have been down this path without success?

Wanderlust · 19-05-2013, 20:25

It looks like I must have a custom installation on my 3GM30F engines as they both have car alternator style frames.

As for actually using a car alternator, this is usually not a good idea for charging a house bank, as they are not designed for the continuous high output needed. The regulator will either cycle them down too soon, or they will overheat.

You can overcome the overheating to some extent by directing a blower into it from behind.

Outwest34au · 19-05-2013, 20:38

Steve appears to have the good old Bosch single wire alternator there. I.E. 1 wire to excite it with a regulator held on the back with 2 screws. This is commonly used as a replacement for a myriad of applications.
They are a good unit to have, if you carry a spare reg and 2 bearings you can fix them easily anywhere, unless you are unlucky enough to blow a diode.
Largest I have owned is 110 amp, but they may come bigger.

Rotational direction is important on these, but, the Bosch "Universal" series with spin both ways though.

delmarrey · 19-05-2013, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outwest34au

Rotational direction is important on these, but, the Bosch "Universal" series with spin both ways though.

Sorry, but not on alternators just on generators. The brushes are straight in on alt's but at an angle on gens.

And one should carry spare brushes too. They usually go out first, which causes arcing, that takes out diodes and other internal parts.

The problem with not using OEM's is the belt alignment.

Outwest34au · 19-05-2013, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Sorry, but not on alternators just on generators. The brushes are straight in on alt's but at an angle on gens.

And one should carry spare brushes too. They usually go out first, which causes arcing, that takes out diodes and other internal parts.

The problem with not using OEM's is the belt alignment.

Maybe I am incorrect on the Bosch Universal series being Bi?
I will state then that SOME alternators are happy to swing both ways. 1277640 - Alternator Product Details | Prestolite / Leece-Neville

It's too close to beer time for me to argue.

Cheers

shakey doug · 20-05-2013, 01:58

Google up 'Rare electrics' in the good old US of A.

**hlev00** · 24-05-2013, 19:16

I just bought an alternator from Rare electrical to replace our yanmar 60A (Hitachi LR160-741). The unit is made in Asia somewhere. I think they said Taiwan. It looks identical except for the ground (earth) stud. There is a phillips head screw that should work. I called and a tech rep called back in an hour or so. He was very helpful. I plan to install this weekend if the damn rain stops.