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Dual Alternators?

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Old 08-27-2010, 09:58 PM
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Default Dual Alternators?

Is it possible to run dual alternators if so how would i do this and also how can i convert an a/c compressor to a air compressor?
Old 08-28-2010, 08:06 AM
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There are a number of writeups out there on converting aircon to OBA - Google is your friend (I have no reason to go into detail.) Many of the writeups concern converting a York compressor - which is Hell-for-strong - to engine-driven OBA, but there are also more than a few writeups for converting Sanden (which is what you have) as well.

Second alternators is just common enough - Ford does it from the factory for ambulances and police vehicles (typically using a 160A primary and a 140A secondary.) Best way to do it is to get an internally regulated alternator - like a Delco CS130 or CS144 - and have it set up for a self-exciting or "one-wire" installation. Adapt it to the mounting location, and wrap a belt around it. Connect the wire, and the internal regulator will then know if it needs to do anything.

Why for do you want a second alternator? I only ask because it would be useful to assess your requirements, and maybe find a more efficient way for you to spend your money (it may not be the mod you want for what you need...)
Old 08-28-2010, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by 5-90
There are a number of writeups out there on converting aircon to OBA - Google is your friend (I have no reason to go into detail.) Many of the writeups concern converting a York compressor - which is Hell-for-strong - to engine-driven OBA, but there are also more than a few writeups for converting Sanden (which is what you have) as well.

Second alternators is just common enough - Ford does it from the factory for ambulances and police vehicles (typically using a 160A primary and a 140A secondary.) Best way to do it is to get an internally regulated alternator - like a Delco CS130 or CS144 - and have it set up for a self-exciting or "one-wire" installation. Adapt it to the mounting location, and wrap a belt around it. Connect the wire, and the internal regulator will then know if it needs to do anything.

Why for do you want a second alternator? I only ask because it would be useful to assess your requirements, and maybe find a more efficient way for you to spend your money (it may not be the mod you want for what you need...)
Well i have a second stock alternator and was wanting to use that circuit if possible specifically for winching lights etc...
Old 08-28-2010, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by goldenlandscaping
Well i have a second stock alternator and was wanting to use that circuit if possible specifically for winching lights etc...
Lighting - don't need it unless you're going to get stupid with the lights ("noon at midnight" sorta thing...)

Winching - they don't make an alternator yet that can fully power a winch.

So, running it on a separate circuit would be counterproductive - and if you're running a Nippondenso stock, you're going to need to install a second regulator (to drive the thing) as well.

Sounds to me like you want to make sure your battery has plenty of reserve capacity and upgrade your primary alternator - tell me about your rig, and we'll see if we can't come up with a better plan between us.
Old 08-28-2010, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 5-90
Lighting - don't need it unless you're going to get stupid with the lights ("noon at midnight" sorta thing...)

Winching - they don't make an alternator yet that can fully power a winch.

So, running it on a separate circuit would be counterproductive - and if you're running a Nippondenso stock, you're going to need to install a second regulator (to drive the thing) as well.

Sounds to me like you want to make sure your battery has plenty of reserve capacity and upgrade your primary alternator - tell me about your rig, and we'll see if we can't come up with a better plan between us.

agreed.... ive seen a ton of vehicles running winches and lights and never had a second altenator or even a aftermarket one... it takes A TON of crap to need one...
Old 08-28-2010, 09:12 PM
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also ive read the ZJ's put out more juice and can be moded to fit pretty easily...
Old 08-28-2010, 09:22 PM
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ahh well i just heard about from a buddy so i wanted to ask around kinda feel it out
Old 08-28-2010, 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by huntingman2706217
also ive read the ZJ's put out more juice and can be moded to fit pretty easily...
X2.....not much needed to make it fit either
Old 08-28-2010, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by goldenlandscaping
Well i have a second stock alternator and was wanting to use that circuit if possible specifically for winching lights etc...
ill take that extra ones off ur hands if u dont want it i need one for my trail rig... let me know
Old 08-28-2010, 09:33 PM
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yes i have heard, and seen the ones off the ZJ's work. my wife has a 1995 jeep grand cherokee limited and it has a 136 amp alternator. i was told that if i grinded my bracket down a bit then it would fit. it has the same hookups as the 91-99 H.O system for the cherokee.

Last edited by trans_am7935; 08-28-2010 at 09:36 PM.
Old 08-28-2010, 10:10 PM
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ahhh....a good productive thread. (Not that other threads are not productive, but this one is just great) Like 5-90 said, Ford uses a dual alternator set up on emergency vehicles, but it is needed because EV's have SO many electronics on board. Sounds like you're getting the proper advice, and I can't wait to see the outcome...I might steal some ideas for my rig when I decide to upgrade lighting and other things.
Old 08-28-2010, 11:11 PM
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i just picked up an alternator and it tested to 136 amps at the junkyard out of a 98 jeep grand cherokee. it seems to be a little bigger then the stock one. so when i get my jeep back next weekend from my uncle then i am gonna make a thread on how to install a 136 amp alt into a H.O. Jeep Cherokee, if it is even possible and if it makes a difference or not
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