M25XPB new alternator and regulator - CMI-105-ER & Balmar MC-614 (was: alternator too big for the bracket)

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ludo
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M25XPB new alternator and regulator - CMI-105-ER & Balmar MC-614 (was: alternator too big for the bracket)

Since I own the boat I have been bugged with some light black dust in my engine room, but it has never been a priority. Earlier this year trying to figure out what was the source of this black dust, I realized the alternator was chaffing against its bracket when it is running and I guess it has been like that for years!

What would you suggest me to do?

  • Change the alternator?
  • Change the bracket?
  • Modify the bracket?

Ludovic François
​Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA

caprice 1050
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Ludo, are you sure this is the sorce of the black dust. Some older model C36 use an insulation inside of the motor cover that  leaks a black dust when it starts to disintergrate. 

__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050

Maine Sail
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Why do you have what appears to be a Delco 12SI on that engine? Was it possibly a PO mod? That mount was designed for a Morolla frame (Leece-Neville 8MR) & the Mando's, whuch a Korean knock-off of the Leece-Neville / Motorola frame.. While a Delco 10SI or 12Si can be made to fit, a 12SI internally regulated is usually far too much for a single 3/8" / 10mm belt. The Delco's also don't have the same offset so alignment can be tricky.

Most 12SI's are 94A and larger and you really should not just drop in an alternator of that amperage, on a 3/8" belt, that really maxes out at around 65A for long duration charging situations and upwards of 75-80 for short runs..  If it is externally regulated you can de-tune it with belt load manager using a Balmar external regulator.. As long as bracket modifications don't weaken it, and you can get the output down to about 65A to 70A that can be done.

-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/

 

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ludo
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It came that way! And I think it has been like that for a while. So PO modified it.

What do you advise?

  • upgrade the bracket + belt (looks like a bigger project than what I need)?
  • replace the alternator with something better fitted for the M25XPB? What would be a good option?

Why do you think the PO decided to put a Delco 12SI on its engine? What are the advantages?

Ludovic François
​Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA

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pkeyser
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Posts: 659

Ludo-
I had the same issue on our M25 in a C30. The alternator was OEM and the fan belt still wore against the engine and generated black dust.I just changed the belt annually and got the vacuum out periodically. Belt tension helped but did not eliminate.

Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B

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ludo
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I start to understand more and more the answer from Maine Sail. So I think I am going to go back to the Leece-Neville 8MR 51A.

  • I don't need fast charging of my bank house
  • In the future if I need it, I will go to an alternative way to do it

Anyone knows where I can get these Leece-Neville 8MR alternator from or any alternative being a good fit for a M25XPB?

 

Ludovic François
​Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA

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LeslieTroyer
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Posts: 533

Ludo
i have an 8MR converted to external regulation, it’s a 90A and defined by using the belt saver mode on the 614 regulator

les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

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ludo
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Pulled the trigger and I bought a Balmar regulator MC-614H and an alternator CMI-105-ER on https://marinehowto.com/.

  • CMI-105-ER - 105A Motorola/Prestolite/ Leece-Neville Externally Regulated Alternator
  • Balmar Regulator MC-614H
  • ​​Balmar MC-TS-A Alternator Temperature Sensor

Very happy with Rod customer service!

Now I need to:

  1. update my electrical diagram to make sure to follow: https://marinehowto.com/alternators-voltage-sensing/
  2. figure out where to place the regulator
  3. install a service disconnect switch

My 2 first questions to you guys.

Connector harness
The Balmar harness came with a connector in the harness to connect to the regulator field (blue wire in the picture below). Should I find the compatible connector to connect to the alternator? Any place where I can source it?

Best location for the regulator

I am thinking to put it at the red spot on the picture below, any feedback about it? My second option would be to put it behind this bulk head, where the green arrow is pointing (in the back), what do you think?

  • Just found on Marine How-to website more information:
    • https://marinehowto.com/programming-a-balmar-voltage-regulator/
    • Avoid installing the regulator in the engine bay unless yours runs pretty cool
    • Do not install the regulator in a hot compartment or against the inside of a dark colored hull
    • Install the regulator in a cool & dry location, quite often this will be outside the engine bay
  • ​Going to have to review where I can install it. Any idea? Would like to keep it hidden.

Ludovic François
​Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA

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LeslieTroyer
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I mounted mine outside the engine box just to port from where you have it. That keeps it out of the engine room heat. Les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

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