Multiple different alternators, out of phase?

[RSDXzec 10+ year member]

Hi, I just wanted to know what kind of trouble I would run into if I tried to run dual alternators of different models. I would assume they would be out of phase with each other and there could be many more issues. Would I run into these issues? and is there any way I would be able to pull this off?

Just wanted to try and figure out a cheap way to get more power in my system.

Cheers.

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[Below20hzonly 10+ year member]

i wouldnt try it, but thats just me

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

It does not matter what alternators you have if they are hooked up correctly. Many ppl run a stock alt with an upgraded 2nd.

 

[RSDXzec 10+ year member]

It does not matter what alternators you have if they are hooked up correctly. Many ppl run a stock alt with an upgraded 2nd.

fantastic! Because I was looking at rather than paying loads for a high output alt to just get a second standard one because I'll only be pushing around 1200wrms speakers + sub total. Are there any extra measures I need to take when putting in a different model of alternator?

Apart from the obvious different belt/bracket.

btw the car I'm using is 28 years old so it doesn't have an ecu, so no problems there. All it supplies power to pretty much is just sound system, lights, and radiator fan.

I'm also concerned about any slight voltage difference between alternators. Obviously they would both be rated at 14.4V but rated is different to reality based on age etc.

Cheers.

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

Not sure what kind of car you have. If your stock alternator is externally regulated, you will have to make sure to hook it up to the regulator. The difference in voltage that each alt puts out is fine.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

note this guy is in Australia, luckily DC is DC and there is no "phase"

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

note this guy is in Australia, luckily DC is DC and there is no "phase"

but if toilets spin backwards over there wouldn't he being running with reverse polarity ac backwards?

J/K

your good to run two alts even if there's a difference in voltage output it will level out under load.

 

[RSDXzec 10+ year member]

note this guy is in Australia, luckily DC is DC and there is no "phase"

ahahaahaha... oh this is a sad day lol, was getting mixed up whether it was ac or dc, but ofcourse it's dc.

but if toilets spin backwards over there wouldn't he being running with reverse polarity ac backwards?
J/K

your good to run two alts even if there's a difference in voltage output it will level out under load.

sweet, I will have to find out if it's externally regulated though, and find somewhere to get a second alt.

from what I understand about alternators (which obviously isn't much) there is a positive output wire, and it's grounded by being attached to the engine, if so will being attached to the chassis be sufficient? considering the engine and chassis are connected by a ground wire.

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

ahahaahaha... oh this is a sad day lol, was getting mixed up whether it was ac or dc, but ofcourse it's dc.


sweet, I will have to find out if it's externally regulated though, and find somewhere to get a second alt.

from what I understand about alternators (which obviously isn't much) there is a positive output wire, and it's grounded by being attached to the engine, if so will being attached to the chassis be sufficient? considering the engine and chassis are connected by a ground wire.

well if you study the big three upgrade you will see why you increase these connections and how are you going to mount it to the chassis is this a go cart? because motor mounts are going to really cause problems with belt tension.

 

[RSDXzec 10+ year member]

well if you study the big three upgrade you will see why you increase these connections and how are you going to mount it to the chassis is this a go cart? because motor mounts are going to really cause problems with belt tension.

I'm still not sure how I'd mount it, so I'm considering my options. The engine is pretty small so I have a fair bit of room to work with on the frame. To me chassis and frame are two different things, but I've seen them used interchangeably so much that now I've started doing it.

If I get a chance I could probably upload photos if necessary.

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

I'm still not sure how I'd mount it, so I'm considering my options. The engine is pretty small so I have a fair bit of room to work with on the frame. To me chassis and frame are two different things, but I've seen them used interchangeably so much that now I've started doing it.If I get a chance I could probably upload photos if necessary.

if theres that much room to work with cut a bracket out of 10g steel and mount off the engine and try and tuck the alt nice and close to the engine so the belt won't be so long.

 

[ewadz3006 10+ year member]

If your engine is solid mounted you might be alright mounting to thea frame. But most likely its rubber mounted and that would most likely cause problems, i would think the engine movment would be enough to throw the belt.

 

[RSDXzec 10+ year member]

Not sure what kind of car you have. If your stock alternator is externally regulated, you will have to make sure to hook it up to the regulator. The difference in voltage that each alt puts out is fine.

this may be a stupid question but I have to ask, how do I tell if it's externally regulated, not sure where the regulator should be or what I'm looking for here. The car is almost 30 years old if that's any hint as to if it is or isn't externally regulated.

 

[Exist_ential 10+ year member]

what is the yr\make\model of the car? although we arent in Aus google brings us as close as we can get. i can do a little research and see what i can find.

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

Since it is old, you should be able to follow the wiring off of the alternator. An external regulator will be hooked up between the alt and battery, usually mounted on the inside of one of the fenders. Also, you can measure the voltage at the output of the alternator. Have someone rev your engine. If the alt is externally regulated the voltage should continue to climb as you have someone rev the motor. If it is internally regulated it should stop somewhere in the 13-14.xx volt range.