Alternator upgrade

[100SRV]

I have a question regarding the availability of a higher-output alternator for use on a Vauxhall A17DTR engine, the present one is rated at 100 Amps but replacement is made a bit more tricky because the vacuum pump is integral with the alternator - any ideas what else might fit?

100SRV

[stevieturbo]

100SRV said:

I have a question regarding the availability of a higher-output alternator for use on a Vauxhall A17DTR engine, the present one is rated at 100 Amps but replacement is made a bit more tricky because the vacuum pump is integral with the alternator - any ideas what else might fit?

100SRV

Do you really need more than 100A ?

You could maybe try contacting a local repair shop, and it may be possible to fit a bigger regulator to it, or some of the audio guys might know of something

[100SRV]

stevieturbo said:

Do you really need more than 100A ?

You could maybe try contacting a local repair shop, and it may be possible to fit a bigger regulator to it, or some of the audio guys might know of something

Hi,
good question and the answer may well be yes because this isn't a delivery van; there is significant additional equipment in the rear.

Related to this - anyone have a measurement for how much current the engine management system draws on this engine when running? Does it increase dramatically at 100% load?

[anonymous-user]

Excluding any electrically driven fuel lift pumps, typical common rail diesel engine systems will use around 50W. This does increase with speed (because the number of injection events per unit time increase) but not significantly.


Regarding the alternator, you may be able to get it re-wound, or to find another more powerful device that shares the same stator/rotor architecture, and hence build a hybrid etc? Another option, if you have space, is to simply fit another alternator in parrallel

[Doctor Volt]

What is the total current draw of the "significant additional equipment in the rear" ?

[Doctor Volt]

Is the "significant additional equipment in the rear" going to be in constant use ?

[stevieturbo]

Buy a cheap clamp meter, circa £25 off egay, stick it over the line from alternator to battery, then you can see exactly how much load is being used.

Just make sure you buy a DC one

[radical78]

most japanese pickups have high output alternators with integral vacum pumps if you can find one with a compatable bracket

[stevieturbo]

most diesels have a alternator vacuum pump dont they ?

[100SRV]

Doctor Volt said:

What is the total current draw of the "significant additional equipment in the rear" ?

Around 38.8 Amperes dependant upon which cooling systems are active.

The problem is being resolved with load management techniques, thank you for the suggestions though!