Custom alt questions

[sr]

Hello
I have a few questions about different alternators and part's. I have been converting my own and my friends alternators to double as welding units for a number of years in our jeeps. Ive been stuck mixing and matching "stock" pieces (stators, rotors, rectifiers).

The alternator housing and coils Ive been using has been the CS 144. My problem there is I have to modify another rectifier into it (10 or 12 SI type I think) because Avalanche diodes are not very happy about running high voltage.

Does a non avalanche diode exist for this case or a non that's rated high, that would fit the case better? I can grind, drill holes and slots but cant mill things.

Next problem
My latest project is an 04 jeep tj. I made a plate to move my alt down and install a compressor over the top. I'm looking at your 160 amp TJ alternator. The application says 2000 4.0L. I'm pretty sure its the same as mine. Can you confirm that and does it come without avalanche diodes? If not can I get it without them and is the case larger than stock?

Sorry about the whole barrage of questions.

[Admin]

Thanks for the question. Lets see if I can answer these for you.
1. Yes there is a CS144 Non Avalanche diode out there. That would be Tranpo # DR5180PE
For Delco CS144 Series Hi-Output 200A Conversion Alternators
Features Transpo
6-60A press-fit diodes (non-avalanche)
Field proven in 200A applications
Crimp-weld diode connections
Heavy copper conductors



2. No they are not Avalanche diodes and no the case is the same size.


3. Now I have a question. Why are you using the CS144 for an onboard welder? I thought everybody went with the Ford external regulated alternator for this.

[sr]

Thanks for the response.

To answer your question. My building the welding systems came from seeing them at a trade show a long time ago. I knew they used a modified ford setup with one of the high dollar "powerline" alternators. My profession was, a tech with Chevrolet and my specialty was body electrical. The alternator cores were cheap (so was i) and the biggest ford system I could find was 100 amp. My friends with the Ford vehicles required very little modification. The smaller delco alternators were common on jeeps so if someone didn't want to adapt the bigger case, I would have them grab one of the 90 amp delco units and I would put an external regulator on it.

I think one of the biggest motivators here was just tinkering around and see what would happen. One thing i did notice was when I went to the higher amp unit, I have to be very careful. It burns quarter plate on low. For welding i actually like the lower output alternator but if I have to run the winch a long time, i need the higher output

[sr]

I forgot to ask, do you sell those rectifiers and how much if you do?

[Admin]

Oct 15, 2009 6:48:04 GMT -5 sr said:

I forgot to ask, do you sell those rectifiers and how much if you do?

I sure do, and they are in stock. Price would be $26.45 plus shipping.