Sparking alternator

[AjW]

I've a ca560ir alternator on a Lister sr3. It's been fine since we bought the boat ten years ago.

This morning it started sparking and smoking whilst I had to the engine running. Nothing out of the ordinary though I had the vacuum going and the plastic twin tub was going (1kw inverter). I've done this before though.i can get a straight replacement, but I'm open to suggestions for other models.

 

Also.....I haven't got a warning light fitted (took it out about 6 years ago), just a voltmeter as part of the solar installation. The alternator is a bit pap at charging.

 

Here's a pic of the back!

 

A good bit of stinky smoke is always good to get the heart racing in the morning!

Edited October 5, 2016 by AjW

[pete.i]

Where is sparking from? Can you see the sparks through the slots or is the external connectors tha are sparking. If the sparks are inside then it could be the brushes have worn down to the metal springs and causing the sparks. This will wear the commutator very very quickly and then your alterenator will need a rebuild or a new alternator may be required.

[AjW]

Aye, sparking from the inside. There's a definite whiff of burnt electrics, and something inside looks charred. I'm OK with getting a new one

[Tony Brooks]

1. No commutator, alternators use slip rings that only carry about 4 amps but they will spark when they or the brushes wear away and both do wear.

 

2. I doubt a sparking brush/slip ring would make a burning smell so suspect the may be a dry/melted joint on the main diodes that is moving with vibration.

 

It looks like a version of the A127 to me so is easy enough to strip and get spares for but exchange units are readily available so I think a new one is the easiest way forward.

[jake_crew]

Do you mea\n the alternator is not very good at charging ?

 

That could be because you haven't got the warning light in circuit. It seems that many alts need the draw through the warning lamp to function correctly.

[Tony Brooks]

Once the majority of alternators give any sort of charge they do not need a warning lamp. If there is no charge then the lack of a warning lamp is a definite suspect.

[Arthur Brown]

Get the alternator repaired or replaced while the days are still light! You will need every charge amp that you can get in the winter. Most alternators NEED the "ign" light for them to start to generate. Make certain that the alternator circuit is as the manufacturer intended, including clean contacts everywhere,