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Al:
With further reference to the earlier post I made below, I
experienced some "regrettable enlightenment" while running on the Hoosier
Southern Railroad this past Sunday. While the 20 amp alternator on my
B&S Vanguard V-Twin conversion more than keeps the battery recharged on my
MT-19 when running the accessories mentioned below, I found to my dismay
the same doesn't hold true when the power requirements of my Hunter heater are
added. I have no idea of how many amps it's internal blower motor and
igniter draw, but it was certainly enough to drain the battery completely
within a matter of an hour. Once I discontinued use of the heater and
allowed the alternator to recharge the battery (I had to let the engine run for
awhile at a moderately-high r.p.m. and with all accessories off to accomplish
the task) everything returned to normal.
How I'm going to remedy this problem is currently
unknown. I value the heater, and certainly don't want to discontinue the
comfort it provides when need arises. The 20 amp alternator on the
Vanguard is magneto-driven, and whether B&S offers an upgrade
(preferably in the 40 amp vicinity) is questionable (I've placed an inquiry with
them to the effect, and awaiting a response). I'm also going to touch base
with Les King, as I've heard through the grapevine he may have a solution to the
problem. But if worse comes to worst, I guess I could always
add a pulley, a belt and a second and more powerful alternator on the front
of the engine.
Lee "Learning Something New Everyday" Wilhite -
Plainfield, IN
----- Original Message -----
From: Lee Wilhite
To: Al Elliott
Cc: Speeders List
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 8:46 PM
Subject: Re: [speeders] Measurements Al:
The B&S Vanguard I bought (the 20 h.p. version) came
equipped with a 20 amp alternator. While this would be considered small by
most standards (the Onan CCKB it replaced had a 60 amp Delcotron) I haven't
encountered any problems keeping a charge in the battery, even with my headlamps
and ditch lights constantly illuminated and despite occasional "toots" on
my the two-chime, electrically-powered air horn. Of course this
could be the exception versus the rule. Once the alternator gets in little
more wear on it, things could easily change.
I also must admit that I originally preferred the Honda
V-Twin to the B&S Vanguard. But it, too, came with a 20 amp
alternator, and being larger in size than the Vanguard, required that some
additional modification to my MT-19's engine box to fit
properly. The B&S was almost a drop-in, drive off,
replacement.
Lee
------ Original Message -----
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