----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 10:37
AM
Subject: Fw: [speeders]
Measurements
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 -----
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 -----
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 4:54
PM
Subject: Re: [speeders]
Measurements
I used portions of Les Kings Vanguard/Honda kit to install a
Military Engine(Air Cooled) in an MT14L.
I used his straight shaft to
tapered shaft adapter. It works and fit perfectly.
I know Bob Craven was
stating he had to keep the unit reved up in order to maintain an acceptable
charge from the alternator on the flywheel. In fact I saw him doing it first
hand.
First, B&S lists different size alternators for these engines.
Perhaps a swap to a larger unit would do the trick.
How does the Honda
compare as to out put, anyone know what honda rates there units at.
Last
but not least, remember Onan uses an external alternator when installed in a
Speeder. There is also an internal one with very little output, perhaps an
external automotive unit on the Vanguard/Honda is an answer.
I know not
very elegant, but practical.
Al
Lee Wilhite wrote:
Fred: I, too, replaced my
Onan power with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard. I have been
overwhelming pleased with the results, and Les King offers a kit that
enables the engine to be easily installed and mated to the Fairmont
transmission. But I'm not certain the kit will fit all B&S
Vanguard models (mine is model 351447 [351400 series], type 1079E1).
More likely than not, Les can answer the question for
you.