Smart Regulator, Old Alternator?

Noah · Post by **Noah** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 8:00 pm

Howdy Guys. Time for my first question...

I just grabbed a Balmar ARS-4 Multistage regulator for $100 bucks, and I would love to install it on my Hinckley. The boat currently has a Universal Diesel with a Prestolite 55 Amp Alternator. This alternator is internally regulated. Is there a simle or smart way to take out the voltage regulator and use my new smart regulator? I haven't pulled the thing apart, and I couldn't find a Prestolite manual on the web. Has anyone done this? I would much rather keep the old alternator that works just fine, than spend the $300 on a new Balmar.

Thanks,

Noah

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:04 pm

Is there an auto-electric shop nearby? They're becoming fewer and farther between, but if you know of one, just bring the alternator and new regulator to them and explain your goal. That prestolite is a fairly common unit. Should be less than an hour's labor to remove (or, more likely, wire around) the internal regulator.

Noah · Post by **Noah** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:56 am

I had some success over the weekend with my Alternator. The manuals that came with my engine covered all aspects of the charging system, so I was able to eliminate the internal regulator pretty easily. The old alt is only 51 amps, but that should be plenty for my small house needs. Plus with an 18hp engine I don't want anything too large on there.

I will try to rig something up to test it on the bench before the boat goes into the water.

Noah

Bob L · Post by **Bob L** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:10 am

Gee, this tread is only a year or so old, but I found this Xantrex document on how to convert an internally regulated alternator to an externally regulted type:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/760/docserve.asp