Balmar alternators/ regulators

[Jan]

Does anyone have some experience with Balmar alternators and regulators
they can share? I am concidering replacing built in alternator with a belt
driven on a BMW D12 engine.

thanks
Jan

 

[David&Joan]

I have had Balmar alternators and regulators in two of my last boats. Their
MaxCharge 612 regulator is a particularly well designed unit. Get the
alternator temperature probe to protect your alternator from overheating.
Balmar's new open frame design alternators look particularly good for
improved cooling.

David

 

[Doug Dotson]

They seem to cost more because of the nifty powder coating
and paint job. Check out Ample Power. I've been using them
for years with great success.

Doug
s/v Callista

 

[Doug Dotson]

Generally, alternators over 100 amps need double
belts to tranfer adequate horsepower. The Balmar regulator is a first
class piece of kit. I'm happy with my setup. That said, I don't
think that there is a huge difference between the top vendors. Ample
Power, for instance, is also highly regarded.

I've been running a 160A Ample Power alternator for several years
on a single belt with no problem. You do need to be careful about
belt tension though. I wish I had the clearance for a large frame unit
(2 belts), but can't do.

Doug
s/v Callista

 

[Jan]

I have both. Since the alt was a drop in replacement for the original
belt driven alt, it was a snap to install. Doing what you propose
will be a bit harder. High amp alts do not tolerate imperfectly
aligned belts and pulleys well at all. Also, verify with the
manufacturer that your engine's bearings will tolerate the side loads
from the new belt. Generally, alternators over 100 amps need double
belts to tranfer adequate horsepower. The Balmar regulator is a first
class piece of kit. I'm happy with my setup. That said, I don't
think that there is a huge difference between the top vendors. Ample
Power, for instance, is also highly regarded.

You may be interested in some wiring diagrams I put on my website. It
shows the stock alternator wiring as well as the wiring for the Balmar
setup, some cockpit accessories, and solar power panels. Read the
disclaimer on this page. It's important.

http://www.worldwidewiley.com/2boat.shtml

Consider placing properly sized fuses to protect the boat from shorts
in the high amperage cables. I haven't done this yet.

Thanks for reply, my engine is only 10 HP, and I need an alternator approx.
60 amps. I have seen similar done earlier on these engines, as the flywheel
alternator is some job to maintain or change.

Jan

 

[Doug Dotson]

The Ample Power #4059 is a small frame single pulley unit which
is the one I have. I don't see where one can be had
with dual belts. All the dual belt units are large frame and unfortunately
I don't have the room for one. I've been using the same belt for 3 years
now and it isn;t showing any substantial and that includes a trip to down
the ICW, Bahamas and back. So, if adjusted properly a single belt
unit wil work although I would prefer to have dual belts if I could.

Doug
s/v Callista

 

[Doug Dotson]

In that case, you won't have to worry about a single belt.

Doug
s/v CAllista

 

[Doug Dotson]

They lied. My 4059 came standard with a single pulley. If it was
available with a double pulley I would have gotten it.

Doug
s/v Callista

 

[Doug Dotson]

Right. Same thing you quoted earlier. Still does not match what I
purchased and received years ago. Perhaps they have changed the
standard configuration over the years. One pulley, no problems.

Doug
s/v Callista

 

[Larry Bradley]

I know this is late, but I just got back home after spending the
summer on the boat.

I put in a Balmar 75 amp unit, with an Ample Power regulator on my
Atomic 4. I have two golf cart batteries (225 AH), and so charge at
about 55 to 60 amps max at the start of charging. I use a single 3/8
Gates HC series belt, and I change the belt every spring, just in
case. All works well, except that the drive pulley on the engine is
small compared to a modern diesel, so I have to run the engine faster
in order to get 60 amps.

I can't recall about the Bamlar regulator, but the Ample Power unit
comes with e tempoerature sensor for the BATTERY. If your battery is
anywhere near the engine (mine is right next to it), this is
important, as the charging voltage needs to reduced as battery
temperature increases.

Thanks for reply, my engine is only 10 HP, and I need an alternator approx.
60 amps. I have seen similar done earlier on these engines, as the flywheel
alternator is some job to maintain or change.

Jan

Larry Bradley VE3CRX
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