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  #1  
Old 06-28-2018, 08:18 PM
brian257 brian257 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
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Default Automotive alternator

Can anyone recommend a part number for an automotive one wire alternator that can fit on an O-320. I am not real particular on the amperage and will take anything over 30A.
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  #2  
Old 06-28-2018, 09:49 PM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Look for a mid 90's Suzuki Samurai/Swift, Geo Metro/Tracker. Here's one example at 55 amps:

https://smile.amazon.com/LActrical-A...ift+alternator

You may need to change the pulley. Some of the older Samurai alts came with single V pulleys (and lower current), but the one I linked obviously has a multi-V.

Charlie
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  #3  
Old 06-28-2018, 11:57 PM
Marc Bourget Marc Bourget is offline
 
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You don't plan to fly over about 6000 ft?

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  #4  
Old 06-29-2018, 05:09 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Bourget View Post
You don't plan to fly over about 6000 ft?
I don't understand your comment. I have a 30A Toyota (I think) alternator in my Lancair and it works fine at 12,500'. Should I be worried about something?
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  #5  
Old 06-29-2018, 06:22 AM
rvsxer rvsxer is offline
 
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I've had my "science fair project" Honda alternator to 16,500, no problem...
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  #6  
Old 06-29-2018, 06:33 AM
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rocketbob rocketbob is offline
 
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This is the one I use. Its for a Kubota tractor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...c=1&pldnSite=1
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  #7  
Old 06-29-2018, 10:26 AM
guccidude1 guccidude1 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Reno NV
Posts: 542
Default Automotive alternator

I use the Ultra 14870 60 amp (lifetime warranty) unit from the aviation aisle of of O'Riellys. Dan from Reno
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  #8  
Old 06-29-2018, 10:34 AM
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Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brian257 View Post
Can anyone recommend a part number for an automotive one wire alternator that can fit on an O-320...
Just to be clear, do you mean a true "one wire" - an alternator that has only the output wire, or do you mean the more conventional "internally regulated" which has two wires (output and field/turn on)?
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  #9  
Old 06-29-2018, 12:29 PM
pa38112 pa38112 is offline
 
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17,500 with an automotive alternator, but I don't think he was referring to a true altitude issue as much as a joking comment on reliability. I have 900hrs on mine.
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  #10  
Old 06-30-2018, 09:47 AM
Marc Bourget Marc Bourget is offline
 
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My comment about operating altitudes came from a conversation with an actual engineer buried in the back- shop of Plane Power.

I recall two points of interest, rpm and brushes. After further research, I my memory has been refreshed and I correct my post. Please forgive, it was offered in good faith.

Posts subsequent to mine, questioning my point, caused me to do more research this morning and I came across a forgotten article, April 93, (updated 2003) by Bob Nuckolls where he explained:

"One of my readers called recently to say he had been verbally keel-hauled by an engineer with an alternator manufacturing company. The reader had confessed to considering a plain vanilla brush for use in the alternator on his RV-4. There's a lot of "hangar mythology" about what constitutes aircraft ratings in components. We all know that much of what is deemed "aircraft" today are the same products certified onto airplanes 30-50 years ago. Many developers and suppliers consider aviation a "dying" market; few are interested in researching and qualifying new products. However, automotive markets continue to advance in every technology.

It is sad to note that many products found on cars today far exceed the capabilities and quality of similar hardware found on certified airplanes. Alternators, motors and components thereof are striking examples!"

I had no reason, at the time I spoke with Plane Power's Tech guy, to question his statement and forgot the above article gathered as part of my "due diligence" back in 2011 or so.

Onward and upward
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