Compact & lightweight alternator

[Bonzo]

Good evening chaps.

Last week I came upon a very small & light alternator ;)

I thought I would share it with you all as it may be of some general interest.

This was removed from a Daihatsu Sportrak. 1600cc petrol. Nippon Denso F08

This is the smallest one that I have seen for many a year. One big bonus is that it is a clockwise turner, unlike some Japanese units.

Looking on Ebay these compact units are around the £100 mark :eek:

My trusty ole workshop mug is there to give some idead of scale.

I have no idea of the power output but it is going to be more than enough for the Roadster. :D

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/Bonzoronnie/densoalternator001.jpg

[Gsmits]

so whats the weight?

[Bonzo]

A full 2 Kg lighter than my Zetec engine one !!?? :D :D :D ;)

[RAYLEE29]

hi, you say
This is the smallest one that I have seen for many a year. One big bonus is that it is a clockwise turner, unlike some Japanese units.
i didnt realise it mattered as being an alternator it makes ac current which is then rectified via the diode pack so surely it could be spun either way.
What am i missing? is it to do with the nut holding the pulley on or something else?

[Bonzo]

Hi Ray.

I don't think you have missed anything, other than me having a senior moment :D :o

Being that an alternator generates an AC current that is then rectfied into a DC current then yes it could spin either way.

One thing I am unclear of is. Will any reverse spin on the alternator change the forward current flow through the rectifier pack ? ( I didn,t pay attention to the theory of rectifiers at school )
Oh bugger I have just confused myself there. :confused:

I doubt the pulley retaining nut would be a problem. Nothing a dab of loctite woldn,t put right.
I mean that in the best possible taste & no pun intended. :D

The weight of the unit is 3.25 Kg with the pulley fitted. This compares well with some of the competition ones that I have seen (2.7 Kg , but that figure is probably minus the pulley)

[RAYLEE29]

Hi, the rectifier pack in basic terms is like four one way valves that are arranged in such a way as to have ac(alternating current) go in and let dc(direct current) out. so it should be possible to run either way
it does also control the volage as well.
Ray