2 Ways Lithium KILLS Your Alternator (and how to prevent it)

In this week’s video, I answer the question “Is my alternator safe with LiFePO4 batteries?” The answer is… it isn’t—unless you take precautions.

In this video, I refer to a thermal switch I bought. It was a 10-amp, normally-closed thermal switch. I chose one rated for shutdown at 110-degrees C. That temperature is something you should choose yourself, but I think that is a good number for a thermo-switch mounted inside the alternator case.

In preparing for this video I searched eBay again and found a better choice. This is the same basic thing, but this one is rated for 16a. That would be more then plenty for any alternator I’ve seen. Also, it’s CHEAPER!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144996884088?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=gfQjjFrDQrm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=3Zp5jgUhScS&var=444205206204&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

A commenter brought up a concern (thanks Apollo). He thought that the thermal switch might suffer from the back emf of the coil being disconnected when things overheat. He might be right though I have seen this done in motors before. Either way a simple “flyback diode” (Google it) might give extra protection and is cheap and easy to install.

Another thing that I wish I had talked about in this video was engine room ventilation. It seems basic but keep it cooler around your alternator and your alternator will run cooler!

Well as I say the description section is how I reserve the right to get smarter.

If you would like to learn more about the BankManager or order one, check out:
https://www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms

Here is a link to the video where I talk about engine belt upgrade https://youtu.be/Sf02o0VyTwA

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