----- 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.