Is there a difference between a Marine alternator in a car alternator?
Industrial alternator applications require continuous-duty, high-output alternators built to last while operating safely. This means that marine alternators must be self-cooling at high loads or have an additional cooling subsystem. Marine alternators also comply with strict safety specifications not required of cars.
Will an automotive alternator work in a boat?
However, if you have a relatively small boat that you use occasionally, perhaps you can replace the boat alternator with a car alternator.
How long do marine alternators last?
However, we can say with near certainty that an alternator will not last for the average life of a vehicle. In general, you can expect alternators to last about 6-10 years, or about 80,000-150,000 miles.
Should I paint Marine alternator?
alternators should not be painted, even to slow corrosion. However nice they look, that paint is just one more layer of insulation.”
What does a Marine alternator do?
The job of the charging system is to replenish the batteries and to provide current to existing loads in the boat at the same time. The charging system does this by converting the engine’s mechanical energy into electrical energy through an alternator. When electrical loads drain the battery, the battery voltage drops.
What does the alternator do on a boat engine?
The alternator provides the necessary electrical power whenever your boat’s engine is running. Plus, the alternator charges the battery at the same time. The alternator takes the energy from the crankshaft and turns it into the electricity that is stored in the battery of your boat.
How does a Marine alternator work?
Moving a wire through a magnetic field creates current flow in the wire. The alternator generates electricity by rotating a magnetic field in the rotor around a circle of stationary copper windings called the stator. The amperage created is determined by the strength of the magnetic field.
How many volts should a marine alternator put out?
it should read 12.6 volts fully charged. that is 2.1 volts per cell. If it reads 10-11 volts then you have a dead cell; this is a very common problem with marine batteries.
Can boat alternators be rebuilt?
Any paint results in heat buildup, and alternators die from overheating. Especially in closed hot spaces like engine bays of boats. Finally–having an alternator rebuilt can be a good idea.
Why are marine engines painted?
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, engine paints protect the metal surfaces of engines against rust and corrosion. A side benefit of painting your boat’s engine is that the smooth surface that the paint creates can make the engine easier to clean.