Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Indian Falls on April 14, 2022, 06:30:31 AM

Title: Alternator bracket
Post by: Indian Falls on April 14, 2022, 06:30:31 AM
I see Universal/Westerbeke alternator brackets are on ebay again.  Heavy Duty, 1/4" thick. 
www.ebay.com/itm/154943469772?hash=item241359b8cc:g:FY4AAOSwspZiVFLj
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: KWKloeber on April 14, 2022, 08:10:33 AM
Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: Ron Hill on April 15, 2022, 04:48:39 PM
Dan : Good info - if your replacement alternator can use that standard alternator. bracket  Usually a new Hi output needs a different bracket!!

A thought
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: Stu Jackson on April 17, 2022, 10:02:53 AM
Quote from: KWKloeber on April 14, 2022, 08:10:33 AM
Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?

The flat bar that came with the replacement alternator bracket kit for the M25 was rather meager, and thin.   Mine broke after a few years of use.  I had a new, thicker one made by a local machine shop.
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: KWKloeber on April 18, 2022, 10:45:09 AM
Quote from: Stu Jackson on April 17, 2022, 10:02:53 AM
Quote from: KWKloeber on April 14, 2022, 08:10:33 AM
Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?


The flat bar that came with the replacement alternator bracket kit for the M25 was rather meager, and thin.   Mine broke after a few years of use.  I had a new, thicker one made by a local machine shop.


OK thanks Stu that sounds like a worthwhile investment! 
(obviously cheapening out on the stock used wasn't a Universal/Westerbeke screwup.) LOL
I'll order one off eBay today!!
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: Indian Falls on April 20, 2022, 11:18:21 AM
Ron Hill, could you elaborate on what differences there are between the stock bracket and what you mean about using a hi output alternator?
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: KWKloeber on April 20, 2022, 12:24:39 PM
Quote from: Indian Falls on April 20, 2022, 11:18:21 AM
Ron Hill, could you elaborate on what differences there are between the stock bracket and what you mean about using a hi output alternator?

Ditto. I don't understand - i'd still be a 5" frame, sane physical size mount and arm etc.
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: Ron Hill on April 20, 2022, 01:28:14 PM
Dan & Ken : When I first installed a Balmar duel output (large case) in 1990?, I had trouble aliening the pulleys.  When I moved that alternator to the new M25XPB the problem was more pronounced (especially for/aft).  So I had to go to a different bracket to make that alternator properly fit!!  The 5" frame did NOT work!!

A few thoughts

Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: KWKloeber on April 20, 2022, 01:48:26 PM
Ok gotcha.
Can you share what you had to/frabricatr?  Or is it the tech notes?
To be sure You're saying it wasn't a 5" frame alternator?
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: scgunner on April 26, 2022, 07:22:25 AM
Ken,

I just got one of the Ebay brackets yesterday. It's thicker and somewhat beefier than the original bracket on the upgrade kit. I thought the original was just barely adequate so I'm pleased with the new one. Installation took about 15min. With shipping total cost was about $35 so I'd recommend it.
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: waughoo on April 26, 2022, 07:32:27 AM
Thanks for the review and followup.  Always good to ACTUALLY know from a trusted source.
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: Stu Jackson on April 26, 2022, 08:42:01 AM
Here's where mine broke in 2013.  I had a local metal shop make up a new thicker one.
Title: Re: Alternator bracket
Post by: KWKloeber on April 26, 2022, 10:23:22 AM
@Kevin

Received!
Along with the cute tag-along bottle opener.

That's some hunk of thick steel for sure.

@Indian (can we still use that word?)

THANKS for alerting us!