Alternator

[DGBaker]

Anyone ever run one of these? I'm having electrical issues and I'm wanting to replace my alternator with one with higher output. I'm hoping that this will help with the ac noise and give me better output in the colder climates. I can only get reman ac delco out here with factory output.

 

[Iron Duke II]

Have no direct experience with the Sinister or the unit in the following link. However, other than sticking with a Denso rebuild, it may be worth checking out as well.

https://mopar1973man.com/topic/13688-time-for-a-new-alternator/

https://www.nationsstarteralternato...-Alternator-Dodge-Ram-5-9L-p/13874-180-hp.htm

 

[DGBaker]

Have no direct experience with the Sinister or the unit in the following link. However, other than sticking with a Denso rebuild, it may be worth checking out as well.

https://mopar1973man.com/topic/13688-time-for-a-new-alternator/

https://www.nationsstarteralternato...-Alternator-Dodge-Ram-5-9L-p/13874-180-hp.htm

That's much better pricing as well.

 

[fbuchynski]

You May want to look at
http://rebuilderinabox.com

 

[DGBaker]

You May want to look at
http://rebuilderinabox.com

How hard is that to do?

 

[GCroyle]

Might be from left field but inspect the slip rings prior to committing to a DIY rebuild.

I was about to rebuild and found slip ring worn unserviceable. It can be done but it’s a interesting repair.

 

[Chief USA]

When you compare apples to apples, the Sinister 240 amp alternator and cable kit are actually cheaper when you consider all that you get, at least in my opinion. When my alternator needs to be repaired/replaced, I will probably go that way or something very similar. Those intake grid heaters can be hard on batteries and alternators over time. I use my engine block heater judiciously when making cold starts to avoid those kind of loads.

 

[DGBaker]

When you compare apples to apples, the Sinister 240 amp alternator and cable kit are actually cheaper when you consider all that you get, at least in my opinion. When my alternator needs to be repaired/replaced, I will probably go that way or something very similar. Those intake grid heaters can be hard on batteries and alternators over time. I use my engine block heater judiciously when making cold starts to avoid those kind of loads.

I don't have an option to plug in most of the time, but I also just installed the BD Diesel high idle kit. With my VHF and other electronics installed I am always running a high load.... I'm debating on installing another 2 batteries after I upgrade the alternator. Thoughts?

 

[Joe Mc]

I'm debating on installing another 2 batteries after I upgrade the alternator. Thoughts?

"Another 2"? As in, you'll have 4 batteries? Or do you mean 2 new?
Can't imagine where "another 2" could be placed, or what doing that would be of benefit? Once fired up the alternator provides charge so I'd think high amp alternator would be the route to go. My buddy's work just got him a 450 stupid duty diesel and it has 2 alternators...

 

[petersonj]

With my VHF and other electronics installed I am always running a high load.... I'm debating on installing another 2 batteries after I upgrade the alternator. Thoughts?

Are you using your "VHF and other electronics" while your engine is shut off? If not, I don't see any value in having additional batteries. Once the engine is running, the alternator carries the load (as @Joe Mc mentions).

I am still running my original Bosch alternator (now at 349,000 miles). I have replaced bearings and brushes once. It still passes the AC voltage test. But, when my truck was new, I wired the grid heaters with a momentary switch so that I could use them only when necessary. This also eliminated post cycling. I am sure that this modification has been a large factor in the longevity of my alternator.

In June of 2018 (over 50,000 miles ago) I actually down-sized my batteries to a Group 24. I live at 3800 feet elevation in eastern Oregon. I have had no issues with cold starts.

- John

 

[DGBaker]

Are you using your "VHF and other electronics" while your engine is shut off? If not, I don't see any value in having additional batteries. Once the engine is running, the alternator carries the load (as @Joe Mc mentions).

I am still running my original Bosch alternator (now at 349,000 miles). I have replaced bearings and brushes once. It still passes the AC voltage test. But, when my truck was new, I wired the grid heaters with a momentary switch so that I could use them only when necessary. This also eliminated post cycling. I am sure that this modification has been a large factor in the longevity of my alternator.

In June of 2018 (over 50,000 miles ago) I actually down-sized my batteries to a Group 24. I live at 3800 feet elevation in eastern Oregon. I have had no issues with cold starts.

- John

I'm going to be installing an espar cabin heating... And yes, the vhf and such are used while engine is off sometimes.