[DDBCretin]

I'm thinking of upgrading the stock generator in my 404 (Belgian troop transport) to an alternator. I need additional power to run electrical equipment. I want to keep the system 24 volts. 24 volt alternators are innexpensive and easy to find.

I've looked online and have found some good information. However, I was hoping that someone had some specific guidance for doing the 404 conversion. The physical mounting of the alternator presents no trouble. I can easily fabricate whatever brackets and pulleys I might need. I'm more interested in how to wire it into the electrical system. Has anyone done this? Anything special to watch out for? Any info is appreciated.

Thanks in advance. []

 

[mogscrapper]

[]. hello mucker, the wiring of an alternator is simple in design,there are different types with different fittings, ie spade end types and bolt type fittings, the older but much easier type spade one is a doddle, there is little connection which is for the warning light and a big un for the charge circit,
warning light has a ign live feed to one side of light and the other side connects to the little spade on alternator, the big spade just connects to batts, the charge system works when the ign is on and the bulb lights up, this goes off after starting.
please think on though that is a basic of most basic wiring set up and i know there are other ways relevent to the unit being used,
you would be better off sourcing a 24 volt unit then studdy time in a manual works wonders for that unit,
happy mogging and have a nice easter

 

[mangomog]

Cretin,

This is a pretty simple modification. Depending on the type of equipment you're looking to run, virtually every thing made for the automotive market here in the states is 12VDC. Switching your charging system will allow for some advantages, but the generator will power most of the aftermarket components this side of any heavy audio amplifiers with multiple drivers. What are some of the additions you're planning? Many 12volt components can be added by simply installing an inline resistor to the 24-volt line source. If high-end audio is on the table, you might want to consider re-winding the starter (bosche) for a 12volt system and upgrading to 150amp+ alternator. This will create a few modifications to your 404, light bulbs, fuel gauge impedance, but will allow many more additional upgrades that are now not available in the 24vdc world. I currently have a 24volt alternator with just a few 12volt items attached. CB, air comp. wired directly to the batteries using the 12volts from a single battery in a series 24volt circuit. My ground disconnect switch is used as my 12volt interrupt for these components. Use a meter to determine which battery looses ground when switched and fuse the positive side of your equipment. However, I would not recommend this for large current draw. 8-10 amp max. If an 24 volt alternator is in your future plans a simple bosche regulator will take the place of the large sealed generator unit currently used in your truck.

Regards,

Cary

 

[DDBCretin]

I definitely want to keep the truck 24v. IMHO 24v is far superior to 12. I have a DC/DC converter that I use to run 12v stuff like my radio, CB, iPod, cell phone charger, etc.

The biggest load I have for the 24v system is the electric cooling fan (bought but not yet installed) it draws ~10 amps at 100% duty cycle, and startup surge is certainly much higher. I don't know what the stock generator is rated at, but it's probably not sufficient to keep up with the cooling fan when I'm driving through the weeds.

If anyone has pictures, schematics, or a link to details about alternator wiring in a 404 I'd be most grateful.[8D]

 

[chevysunimog]

RE: 404 Alternator Upgrade/fan?

do you have a part # or pics for the 24 volt electric fan?
mike in Deltona

 

[DDBCretin]

Sure.

I bought it directly from the manufacturer. http://www.tripacfans.com/idxfan.html

Part number is: 14-16S9-24. I'm pretty sure that's right, the p/n is a little hard to read and I've had the fan a while. It's not installed yet, I need to get the alternator conversion done first...

The fan was not stocked when I bought it. They typically build to order. It was not expensive though, around $60 if I remember correctly. TriPac was very cooperative and easy to deal with.

Good luck. []