Kevin Means
Member
- 34
- 17
- 8
- Location
- Hereford, Arizona
We're installing a 24 volt rooftop AC unit on the cab of our truck. At max power, the AC unit draws 35 amps. I'm concerned that we could be pushing the limits of the 100 amp OEM alternator under certain circumstances. In a previous post, I mentioned that I was going to replace it with new C.E. Niehoff 24 volt 260 amp alternator, but as I was mocking things up in the engine compartment, I noticed that the non-pulley side of the new alternator will rub against part of the exhaust near the turbo charger. That concerns me.
In addition to that, I have repeatedly heard that these military alternators can be difficult to find in the field (especially when out of the country) and they don't have the greatest reputations for longevity. After thinking about it, I think we're just going to replace the OEM alternator with a more typical 24 volt alternator - one that wouldn't be so difficult to find and replace if it were to fail. I've been looking at 140 - 160 amp alternators, and I think either of those would give the alternator enough margin to operate comfortably.
Does anyone have any other recommendations? I've seen some youtube videos of similar conversions, but no one goes into any real detail about the swap. Will there be any issues with putting the old pulley on the shaft of the new alternator? Some of the alternators we're looking at have "single wire" hookups and others look like they have several wires. I don't know that much about alternators, so I'd like to get the opinions of others who do. Which would be better? I want to keep it simple. We have a well equipped shop and can manufacture mounting brackets, so I'm not concerned about that, and I'll down-convert for my 12 volt needs in the cab, but I've got to get this alternator issue resolved. Thanks
Kevin
BTW, if someone's looking for a new C.E Niehoff 24 volt 260 amp alternator, or an OEM 100 amp alternator with 1700 miles on it, let me know.
In addition to that, I have repeatedly heard that these military alternators can be difficult to find in the field (especially when out of the country) and they don't have the greatest reputations for longevity. After thinking about it, I think we're just going to replace the OEM alternator with a more typical 24 volt alternator - one that wouldn't be so difficult to find and replace if it were to fail. I've been looking at 140 - 160 amp alternators, and I think either of those would give the alternator enough margin to operate comfortably.
Does anyone have any other recommendations? I've seen some youtube videos of similar conversions, but no one goes into any real detail about the swap. Will there be any issues with putting the old pulley on the shaft of the new alternator? Some of the alternators we're looking at have "single wire" hookups and others look like they have several wires. I don't know that much about alternators, so I'd like to get the opinions of others who do. Which would be better? I want to keep it simple. We have a well equipped shop and can manufacture mounting brackets, so I'm not concerned about that, and I'll down-convert for my 12 volt needs in the cab, but I've got to get this alternator issue resolved. Thanks
Kevin
BTW, if someone's looking for a new C.E Niehoff 24 volt 260 amp alternator, or an OEM 100 amp alternator with 1700 miles on it, let me know.