ALTERNATORS…On board we have four alternators. Two main battery bank charging alternators (battery bank 8 x 210 amp one year old gel batteries), and two start battery alternators. It was during the test sail under engine John asked the question – why are we not charging?. The skipper, and broker had no idea?
Um – at least we knew what we were getting into. The challenge was how to get the spare parts and from whom. Also I learnt that an alternator is not just a case of a straight replacement – or maybe it is?? Unbeknown to me you can get a straight replacement – Mastervolt £1000, .....!!. Niggling in Johns mind was an industrial alternator that could do the job would cost less than £100 in the UK.
We hired a car, went from pilar to post around Spanish Industrial estates speaking via Google Translate to some very nice Spanish truck fixing folk who were always keen to recommend a friend around the corner but not actually able to offer a solution.
Several days later John found “Jack”, an alternator guru in the UK- our Alternator Hero. (Starter Motor and Alternator company). He was technically very capable, knew what would be suitable, knew how to get theym to us (DHL), and a week later offered installation support and advice. Thank you Jack.
Technical details …2 Prestolite 590M with the internal voltage regulator disabled as we have external ones, and the windings taken out. Actual cost £92 each for the parts and shipping $100. Yes there was a couple of days of SPB as the old installation wiring needed replacement but for £300 we now have two working main engine alternators.
Lesson: Trying to sort out technical solutions is a lot easier in your own language. Well done John who was determined not to go with the obvious Mastervolt solution.
THANK YOU JACK.