External to internal regulator

[keelhauled]

When I got my boat, it had an automotive alternator. Bad! (I was aware of this when I bought it and had a marine mechanic check for other non-marine parts) A friend gave me a used marine alternator that lasted thru last summer, but the bearings got loud toward the end of the year and I don't trust it. I got a new marine alternator for a sweet price (free) and it's a perfect fit. However, it's a 1 wire internally regulated and my boat is set up for an external regulator.<br /><br />What do I need to do to make this work? I realize in an ideal world that I should leave it as designed, but I can get 1 wire units a dime a dozen compared to very expensive OE units.<br /><br />The boat is a 1978, so we're not talking high technology here.<br /><br />I know there are USCG regs that come into play here... so I guess I'm asking how can I make it work, both safely and legally?<br /><br />I know the obvious answer is to buy the expensive alternator, but I'd sure like to hear other ideas.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!

 

[Don S]

Re: External to internal regulator

Assuming.......(this ought to get me in trouble) that when you say external regulator, you mean the regulator is on the back of the alternator, not a seperate "box" mounted some where else. <br />Anyway, just tape the ends of the small wires so they can't short out against anything. Then just hook up the big (usually 8 or 10 ga. red wire) to the terminal on the single wire alternator.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: External to internal regulator

You're not moving to the dark side are you Don? <br /><br />Just joshing with ya : <br /><br />Aldo