I have been struggling with alternator overheating for 3 months now. I
installed a Balmar 612-110 (new model) on my system (420Ah battery bank) and
am experiencing overheating. Within minutes, I reach 230F, which is the
point at which my regulator reduces output by half (I have a temperature
controller installed on the alternator). Balmar is trying to help and has
sent me 2 other alternators (another 612 and one 700 series), but they all
overheat. Neiter I nor Balmar understands what is going on (they claim they
tested the alternators before they shipped and they ran at full output at
around 180F). My engine compartment is pretty tight, especially in front of
the alternator there is the engine hatch. May be there is not enough air
flow. I checked everything else and it all looks correct.

I finally mounted a blower with tubing bringing cool air from the outside
right to the back of the alternator. With that the alternator does not go
into small engine mode (as I am blowing air on the temperature sensor...)
but the face (front side) of the alternator reaches a temperature of 244F. I
wonder how long the alternator will last this way.

Temperature was measured using a thermocouple attached to the alternator
using thermal grease.

Any experiences? Any suggestions welcome.

Sam

"Craig Stuart" wrote in message
nk.net...
I have a Balmar alternator and when it is charging the temp of the
alternator is around 230 degrees. Is this normal ?

--
Craig & Marcia Stuart