Converting from a Dynamo to an Alternator

[rustydiver]

Have a Dynamo on the van at the moment. With a 110amp hr leisure bayyery with a split charge relay.

How easy is it to convert to an Alternator, will there be a big difference in the rate the batterys (driving and leisure)charge in the van.

What will i need to do the job, see jk to a conv kit but i dont fancy selling a kidney.

Cheers RD.

 

[froggy]

This is more than likely going to be my next job.

If you can get hold of a copy of Camper and Bus from MAY 2008 it has a 'How to' guide in there of how to convert to a alternator, the leisure battery side of it is just a split charge system that can be added afterwards

 

[Clarkson46]

To convert you will need, an alternator, alternator stand, alternator belt, fuel pump and pushrod and possibly new fan shroud mounting plate depending on which dynamo you currently have. There will be some rewiring required. The engine will need to come out to do it.

Leisure batteries have different charge characteristics to starting batteries. Many people complain about their leisure batteries simply because they don't keep them charged. Running around with a split charge relay will not charge a flat leisure battery, only 72 hours on a mains charger will do that. A split charge relay is intended to run the fridge (say) while running and to trickle charge the leisure battery.

 

[HotVWheels]

I have managed to change the gen in my '71 to an altenator, including the stand, without removing the engine, not easy but possible

 

[Clarkson46]

Can be done but it depends on which oil cooler you have and which fan housing, the later doghouse set up will not rise far enough to let the fan clear the housing, well certainly won't in a '68.

 

[Justin & Muttley]

I've heard that it can be done, but is tricky - removing the thermostat first is a must, though!

 

[halfpint_fighter]

After dropping the engine out to replace the flywheel oil seal and put it all back together i then found my dynamo bushes were buggered.
We had a external regulated alternator in the box of spares so did this swap 2 weeks ago.

The magazine article is a good reference but doesn't cover everything you need to know like new wiring.
Try this for ext. regulator

Or if you look in the green hyanes manual you will spot that the American wiring includes an alternator instead of dynamo.

I found that my upright fuel pump fitted even with the larger alt. stand but only just! If you do change to the angled fuel pump remember it needs a shorter pushrod (GSF sell them for about £4)

In my 72 there was enough room to lift up the fanshroud to remove the dynamo with fan attached although i do have twin carbs which meant i didn't have a manifold in the way.
Don't forget if you need to swap your fan over you need a breaker bar and big socket.

I also have a leisure battery and split charge relay, as already mentioned they are really a trickle charge to keep them topped up. After running my leisure battery down to 9.5 volts it only went back up to about 10.5 after 1.5 hours of driving home.
While running i have noticed that the main battery is showing a higher reading compared to when i had a dynamo.