Thread: alternator
View Single Post
Old 05-12-2025, 02:18 PM   #38
Tom Goldman
VIP Member
 
Tom Goldman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Allentown,PA
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 878
Liked 851 Times in 234 Posts
Default Re: alternator

Quote:
Originally Posted by cad View Post
I know this is an old thread, but I think tech shutting off my kill switch, while running, smoked my HOP alternator. Tech was the prior weekend. Alternator worked great for about 12 runs. Coincidentally, my race partner's ECE alternator took a crap the prior run to mine.... He teched last weekend same day as me. Both of our alternators are wired like K&R's diagram.

Any evidence of this, or ideas?
From what I've learned from 50 plus years in the auto trades ,yes the alternator manufacturers are correct ,the internal regulator can be damaged by shutting off while running.
I personally do not like having a hot lead at the alternator due to safety concerns of an internal short or other failure when the car is stored in the trailer or shop. My solution is to use a inexpensive marine battery disconnect relay between the battery and the alternator cable . the relay is controlled by the switched side of the master disconnect. I have not experenced alternator failures since using the relay and have had the power shut off tested at several National events. costs around $35 on Amazon
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	marine relay.jpg
Views:	107
Size:	18.6 KB
ID:	72569  
__________________
Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

Last edited by Tom Goldman; 05-12-2025 at 02:26 PM.
Tom Goldman is offline   Reply With Quote
Liked