Alternator spark arrestor?

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #1

Hello all,

I recently bought 31' Chris Craft Commander with twin 1987 Crusader 270s. The starboard alternator was bad and I sent it to a friend who rebuilds them. He said it did not have a screen to act as a spark arrestor. Is it supposed to have one? Why would it not have one?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

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bobct

Advanced Contributor

• Apr 16, 2014

• #2

Big yes! It must have one otherwise you will have open spark combined with fumes. Marine spec alternator requires it. Don't cut corners here...

Bob

 

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #3

I don't intend to cut corners, but am wondering why the old one did not have a screen. Thanks.

 

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rfdlou

Regular Contributor

• Apr 16, 2014

• #4

Steve Pavlidis said:

I don't intend to cut corners, but am wondering why the old one did not have a screen. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Does it look original ? Maybe the previous owner went automotive for a replacement / rebuild. You may want to check the other engine's alternator

 

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #5

rfdlou,

I think that is what happened.

Can anybody suggest a source for the alternator pulley?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

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juryduty

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #6

One way to go is to just buy a new marine alternator since you have it out of the boat, you can often get a new or refurb one for less than $100. Here is an example:

http://www.amazon.com/Mercruiser-Alternator-Marine-Crusader-engines/dp/B004OYALPC

 

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALTERNA...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2330698bfd&vxp=mtr

Here's one I am looking at, sans pulley...it is a direct replacement for the one that was in my boat.

 

makomark

Silver Medal Contributor

• Apr 16, 2014

• #8

I'd ask how long your friend has been rebuilding alternators and how much of that time was with marine units....

Not all marine alternators have "screens" in them for spark suppression...and the ones that don't can be expected to have longer service times as they will have been air flow...details depend upon the specific part in question...

As far as source for pullies...a junkyard or an alternator service shop...

 

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #9

makomark,

Thanks. My friend has rebuilding them for 38 years, just not marine units. Funny, the unit reads as a marine alternator, just no screen.

 

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Steve Pavlidis

Member

• Apr 16, 2014

• #10

Found the answer. I spoke to a marine alternator builder who says some marine alternators have sealed brushes so that screens are not necessary, my particular unit is like that.

Thanks for everyone's help!