"Roger Long" wrote in
:

The alternator is a 35 amp Hitachi, pretty long in the tooth. I have
a 55 Amp Hitachi with the wrong kind of internal regulator that I've
been thinking of having modified for an external regulator, perhaps
one of the Balmar three stage units. The engine has plenty of power
for the boat so the extra charging load shouldn'g be an issue with
batteries that don't get drawn down much. Maybe this would be a good
time to get that done.

--


The internal regulators on most alternators are also the "hot" brush to
the slip rings controlling the field. Not sure about Hitachi, but many
alternators have this regulator held in with a couple of screws for easy
replacement and you get to see how much brush is left by pulling it out.

As you say it's really old, that's my guess if you're absolutely sure the
cables to it are clean, the connections tight and all the wires at those
connectors are not broken off by all the VIBRATION of the beast.
Sometimes the smaller wires switching the regulator on and off get broken
inside their insulation from the constant flexing.....and some BOATER
getting too damned neat with his tywraps...grrr...

It isn't rocket science to pull the alternator out and take it to an auto
electric shop for a refresh. Just don't let the yachties on the dock
know where you took it. If they ask, tell them you took it to the most
expensive "marine electric" shop in town. They'll all feel better...(c;

Larry
--
While in Mexico, I didn't have to press 1 for Spanish.
While in Iran, I never had to press 1 for Farsi, either!
It just isn't fair.