Alternator Upgrade

It has been pointed out to me (probably quite rightly) that the Alternator on Odie, although working, may be worth upgrading.

Odie, is a 1983 Series 3, 88". As far as I can tell, the current alternator is the standard one rated at 35amps. At the moment, I have a winch, halogen headlamps, halogen spotlights, CB, and a dual-aux (cigarette) socket attached. The battery is an Exide EB705 (12v, 70amps). In addition to what's already attached, I am looking to putting a split-charge on to power a small fridge for the rally as well as a Kenlowe fan.

The winch is a Kingone KDS-10.0 with a trickle amp draw of 60amps, going from 150 to 350 depending on the load.

I've had no problems with the alternator so far, but with extra draw concerns me as to whether I may end up overloading the alternator or draining the batter quite regularly.

If I were to replace the alternator, what would be the best option?

Ta!

Craig

If i were you. rather than put an uprated alternator on, if yours works well.
I'd put a second battery and a split charge system.

I'd then run everything AUX off of the second battery. so you can drain it all you want but the starter battery will always still be "good" and ready to start the car.

IMO that would be much more use to you, you could charge mobiles or anything you like over night from the AUX battery and then still start the car fresh as a diasy.

it also gives the oppotunity that if you dod rain the main battery you can link the two and in theory "jump" yourself.

Dan

Twin battey tray

http://www.flatdoguk.com/defender-twin-battery-tray~93

Split charge

http://www.firstfour.co.uk/item/2171811/t-max-split-charge-system

Dan

If i were you id look at doing both. A 35a alternator will just about supply enough power for wipers & lights. Start putting on spotlights, demisters etc will max it out so you're actually draining the battery.

So, replace the std alternator with a 100a unit from a disco/rangie but to avoid the need to start upgrading all your wiring fit all the extra stuff to a 2nd battery

Ah! Didn't think of running the non-vehicle stuff from the spare. Though, that makes great sense. For the record, I don't get any fan belt squeaking when using the winch, etc.

Already have an eye on the T-max split charge system.

Is a 100a unit from a Disco/Rangie a straight swap?

Dont know... its a long time since i saw a 2.25 .....

No worries. Challenger 4x4 are near me anyway, so I'll give them a shout.

Thanks for the advice   

Ah, Challenger 4x4, very nice people, helped me out with a pair of coil springs on the morning of last years start as regulars will remember.  

Hope the advice given has been of help Craig. And of course we echo Matt's comments - Challenger 4x4 were an event partner for 2013 and may well be again for 2014.

Not only did they help Matt on Day 1 they also made arrangements for some major chassis welding on the Unit 7 vehicle (car similar to yours Craig - and which incurred the problem on Salisbury Plain) - otherwise that car would have not even got to the ferry to France. It went on, as did Matt's, to complete the event and return to the UK.    

It went on, as did Matt's, to complete the event and return to the UK.

Of course it did - it was a LANDROVER !!  

Been reading this with a keen eye to upgrading mine to a split charge system. Will talk to Challenger 4x4. Many thanks for the info.....One bad note though...Had to sell my disco 2 to help with all the other upgrades I want to my 110 :-(...Wives eh

edd6565 wrote:

Been reading this with a keen eye to upgrading mine to a split charge system. Will talk to Challenger 4x4. Many thanks for the info.....One bad note though...Had to sell my disco 2 to help with all the other upgrades I want to my 110 :-(...Wives eh

Perhaps you should have kept the Disco and sold the wife.......... 

Did that to the first wife but it cost too much   

Life is a learning journey   

Cor your right there keith....do not employ a female solicitor when your getting a divorce   

edd6565 wrote:

Cor your right there keith....do not employ a female solicitor when your getting a divorce   

OH HOW TRUE HOW TRUE !!!!!!!!  

If anyone is interested, after talking to Keith at Challenger a suitable replacement is a 200tdi alternator (Part No. STC234). So, I'll be ordering one of those :-)

There you go - the ever helpful Challenger 4x4 and of course the name 'Keith' simply pours out kindness, help, support, sympathy etc   

Ah yes, it has to be said the general awesomeness that the name "Keith" imbues shouldn't be under estimated.

That's the style Craig   ; and with it you have now ousted Unit 43 and Unit 33 becomes the Organisers' very favourite team.   We're sure that all the other crews will be singularly envious of your new found status - and possibly, albeit only sometimes, they will be polite to you!!!  

We're sure that all the other crews will be singularly envious of your new found status - and possibly, albeit only sometimes, they will be polite to you!!!

Nah - I don't think so.............. 

Me neither!

Someone has obviously become somewhat delusional   

Someone has obviously become somewhat delusional Couldn't agree more Nick. Unit 43 were delusional in thinking they had 'The Organisers Favourite Team' in the bag    I assume that's what you mean   

Hang about, you cannot give the The Organisers Favourite Team title out just for saying the name Keith! Oh great and mighty one              who's name should never sully the lips of the unworthy. What proof do we have M'lord that the holy name was ever uttered? Is this not unfair to you oh so many of your loyal subjects    who live too far away from the said cathedral of 4x4 who cannot worship on the ground you have touched?
Does this get me my title back?   
Craig, I use an ordinary split charger system on my Disco with two normal batteries. Most of the additional power requirements are furnished from the second one. This can also be used as a back up to the main battery.
Also do not be seduced by the siren call of the organisers, they like the One Ring to Rule Them All will betray you! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha my precious