Let's Dissect an Alternator!

This week’s video is a follow-up to last week’s, where I answered the question “Is my alternator safe with LiFePO4 batteries?” The answer is… it isn’t—unless you take precautions.

In this video, I open up an alternator and talk about how it works, common problems and how to fix them , and I show how to install a thermal switch to keep an alternator safer from overheating.

In preparing for this video, I searched eBay again and found a better choice for the thermal switch. 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/113770237232?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=yikHBtW9TDO&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=llx1jgoataq&var=413924551293&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 if you keep the air around your alternator cooler, your alternator will run cooler!

(And this is why always say to check the description—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

Have questions or comments? Leave them below! We do our best to read and answer all comments on our channel.

———–
LINKS TO PRODUCTS WE LOVE (Affiliate links to things we actually own, use, and recommend. We are almost never paid by companies to endorse products. If we are, we will tell you in the video): https://www.amazon.com/shop/emilyclarksadventure

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and click the BELL to see new videos every week, and more content like this.

CONNECT & SUPPORT OUR CHANNEL
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/emilyandclark
PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/emilyandclark
Buy S/V Temptress shirts and swag: https://teespring.com/stores/emily-clarks-sailboat-swag
Check out our favorite products on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/emilyclarksadventure

#emilyandclark #emilyandclarksadventure #svtemptress