Is my alternator about to kick the bucket?

(jklein) · (jklein) **Join Date: May 2001** 04-07-2003, 9:30 AM

I had my water pump replaced at the end of last season, and had the boat in the water on Sunday this week. Everything ran fine, and my alternator is producing a charge and all, but it's making some "clunking" sounds at idle. Was thinking the a bearing in the alt is going out on it?

Can I replace it with a stock automotive alternator? It's an Indmar Monsoon 310hp (Chevy 350).

Thanks

leggester 04-07-2003, 9:47 AM

The alternator is making clunking sounds? I'd think you'd smell burned bearing first.

How're the belts, any fraying? Could be pulleys or pulley bearings also.

(jklein) · (jklein) **Join Date: May 2001** 04-07-2003, 10:47 AM

Sounds like its coming from the alternator. It's not a loud clunking, very light. Belt is brand new when they did the water pump.

leggester 04-07-2003, 10:50 AM

Ouch. If you cna pull the alternator, a lot of auto parts shops can test it for you to see if it's going bad.

kmc 04-07-2003, 12:11 PM

Check the belt tension. If they really cranked on the alternator when they tightened it, that will definitely put excessive strain on the bearings.

(jklein) · (jklein) **Join Date: May 2001** 04-07-2003, 1:45 PM

Matt: Not a bad idea.
Ken: That was my next move, to lighten the tension and see if the problem persists.

Do either of you know if I can use a stock auto parts version of the alternator?

leggester 04-07-2003, 2:40 PM

I don't know, you can get by with one, but I do like marine parts for this application.

sickboy 04-08-2003, 9:27 AM

John-
I think you need to get one thats Coast Guard approved. These are sealed units made specifically for boats. You really don't want any sparks in the engine compartment...

mb

(big_poppa_pump)

You absolutely want to get a sealed marine unit.

I shopped around and finally bought one from these folks last year:

Pearland Alternator Company Inc.
1221 N.Main St.
Pearland Texas 77581
TOLL FREE NUMBER
1-800-966-6672

http://www.palcoelectric.com/

The sold me a new alternator for my X-Star for about $140 or so (can't remember the exact price). They even helped me pick out a model that put out 20 extra amps over the stocker 51 amp. Same brand, same mounting position, just dropped it right in.

I was able to buy a brand new model from these guys for what it would have cost to rebuild mine.
They shipped it out very quickly and I got it in about 2-3 days.

Have your brand of alternator and model number available when you call and they can help you out very quickly.

P.S. You will have to swap the drive pulley over from your old unit.