H.O. alternator install in A 2000 I/S

[lljjmm]

If I install a high out put alternator (65 amp), such as the one from MARS (Ken Heming), is a straight replacement install OK, or do I need to make  changes to fuses and/or wiring ?

Will I have any issues in the future?  I basicly run heated gear at times, GPS, running lights.

Thanks for any input

[hubcapsc]

I run heated gear (one person) and lights with a regular alternator... I only
run the heated gear a few days a year, since I live in South Carolina, so
if you need to run heated gear all day long for months at a time, our experiences
might not be comparable...

Some people's MARS alternators whine, and it bugs them... they have a
reputation for being good alternators, though...

-Mike

[larryh0841]

I have one of his (M.A.R.S.) HO alternators in my Interstate trike and it is a straight install.  No other changes necessary.  I also have heated clothing for myself and my wife that we use a lot as we live in Michigan and vacation in the mountains out west in September.  No problems with the alternator.
                                                                                       Larry

[lljjmm]

What about the main fuse which is 55 amp? And the alternator being 65 Amp output -  Is not a problem then or a potential problem?

[olddog1946]

I would think the load is of more concern to you than the max alternator output. I would also think you'd be better off with the 55 amp fuse, than uping it to 65. Better to be underfused than over fused.

[pancho]

Hmmmmm,  its interesting that the 55 amp link/fuse is used with a HO alternator. THat fuse/link is there for two reasons,, one if the alternator should ever short, the link will blow and prevent the battery from exploding,, two if an excessive load is placed on the alternator (above 55 amps) it will open up to prevent alternator damage. The fact that it is not blowing with the HO alt installed, means that a continuous load exceeding 55 amps is never being placed on the alt. 

Here is how you figure your charging system needs. Power is rated in watts,, watts is a factor of voltage times current,, current is measured in amps...  so total wattage divided by 13.2 (nominal battery voltage) will give your current requirement.  You must all up your total wattage requirements,, suits have a wattage lablel, your accessories will all have a sticker, headlight 55 watts etc.  Add them all up, divide by i3.2 and that will be the total required current demand.  You never want to exceed 70% of the alternators rated output on a continuous basis....   All that said,, it never hurts to have an over rated  (bigger than you need) alternator.....  I mean we are guys!