Alternator replacement -- opinions?

[dcyrilc]

I have an older JD2240 diesel tractor. Factory alternator was 33 amp. The factory setup had 3 ~50W lights, 2 flashers, and the guages in the instrument cluster. I'm going to be increasing to 5 ~50W lights, 6 flashers, plus the instrument cluster. My alternator fried Christmas morning and I'm going to have to replace it. My options for a factory alternator are 33 amp or 55 amp.

The lights should draw 3.5 amps or less each... so 17.5 amps. 6 flashers (IE backup lamps) can't be more than an amp each... so another 6 amps. I also can't see the cluster drawing more than 2 amps for the guages. This would total 25.5 amps... probably less.

Anyone have opinions on if and why I should spend the extra money to upgrade to a 55 amp alternator? Currently I'm figuring on just replacing with the 33 amp, but it never hurts to get other opinions before committing. The price difference is about $50.

TIA

 

[tcartwri]

You're forgetting the current required to top up the battery after a start.

 

[dcyrilc]

You're forgetting the current required to top up the battery after a start.

True, I didn't list that, but again would it charge at more than 8+ amps??

 

[brin]

Cyril...I had an alternator go bad on my JD 3020 and I saved a bunch of money taking it to a local auto electric repair shop and having them rebuild it over the cost of a new one...I am sure you know that...I don't know aobut the amp part of your question but I wanted to be sure to remind you of the rebuild part...

 

[tcartwri]

True, I didn't list that, but again would it charge at more than 8+ amps??

It depends on the voltage drop on the battery. It could use the entire 30A if the battery is drawn down enough, or if the battery isn't in good shape.

 

[brandoro]

Cyril...I had an alternator go bad on my JD 3020 and I saved a bunch of money taking it to a local auto electric repair shop and having them rebuild it over the cost of a new one...I am sure you know that...I don't know aobut the amp part of your question but I wanted to be sure to remind you of the rebuild part...

I agree with this. I have never had an alternator fail that needed more than bearings and/or brushes. Both quite easy to change yourself or have a shop do for a reasonable price.
If a new alternator really is required then I would go with the bigger one if it is a straight forward swap and you don't need to modify brackets, wiring or anything else. Might be you will want to add more devices in the future and will have need of the extra output.

 

[dcyrilc]

I'm going to get a rebuild price to compare with. I had a hydraulic line blow off under the hood a couple of months ago and dumped around 7 gallons of hydro fluid on and into the alternator. The regulator is integral to the alternator and is what fried in the alternator. Complete meltdown.

As for the lighting, the most I can see runnig at one time would be 4 lights. The new configuration will have the factory work light on the rear, 2 flood work lights on the front canopy and 2 spot driving lights on the canopy. I'm going to use a switch on the headlight circuit which gives me either both floods or all four at once. I'm not likely to have the rear work light on if I'm using the driving lights. The factory light switch gives me the following options; off, flashers, headlights, headlights and flashers, headlights flashers and rear work light. Not neccessarily in that order.

At this time, I'm only mounting the front work lights. I'll add the driving lights later if I need them. I try not to have to run after dark if I can avoid it.

 

[mscheer772]

I upgraded my 4310 from 40 amp to 55 because of additional light , winch, accessory outlet, etc. If 40 amps will do you, I've got one for cheap.

 

[dcyrilc]

I upgraded my 4310 from 40 amp to 55 because of additional light , winch, accessory outlet, etc. If 40 amps will do you, I've got one for cheap.

It would do me fine. Now my only question is will it fit a 30 year old 2240 tractor? We might have to do some investigating to check.

 

[Soundguy]

as a rule of thumb.. I like a loade to be 80% of an alternators rated capacity for constant use. sound slike you are right there.

I'd see no problem going back stock 33 safely. on the other hand.. 50$ ain't much probably compaired tot he price of the alt.. and it WILL give you extra capacity.. and that almost never hurts.. as engine load is based on electrical load.. so a 55 vs 33 will not be seen any different to the engine unless you are using more than 33.. etc.

soundguy

I have an older JD2240 diesel tractor. Factory alternator was 33 amp. The factory setup had 3 ~50W lights, 2 flashers, and the guages in the instrument cluster. I'm going to be increasing to 5 ~50W lights, 6 flashers, plus the instrument cluster. My alternator fried Christmas morning and I'm going to have to replace it. My options for a factory alternator are 33 amp or 55 amp.

The lights should draw 3.5 amps or less each... so 17.5 amps. 6 flashers (IE backup lamps) can't be more than an amp each... so another 6 amps. I also can't see the cluster drawing more than 2 amps for the guages. This would total 25.5 amps... probably less.

Anyone have opinions on if and why I should spend the extra money to upgrade to a 55 amp alternator? Currently I'm figuring on just replacing with the 33 amp, but it never hurts to get other opinions before committing. The price difference is about $50.

TIA

 

[dcyrilc]

as a rule of thumb.. I like a loade to be 80% of an alternators rated capacity for constant use. sound slike you are right there.

I'd see no problem going back stock 33 safely. on the other hand.. 50$ ain't much probably compaired tot he price of the alt.. and it WILL give you extra capacity.. and that almost never hurts.. as engine load is based on electrical load.. so a 55 vs 33 will not be seen any different to the engine unless you are using more than 33.. etc.

soundguy

Thanks, that gives me good food for thought.

Currently, I've taped off the wires and reinstalled the alternator so that the tractor can be run. It sits on a maintaince charger when it's in the shop and I haven't had to use any lights so I should be able to use it in this condition for a while. That will give me time to recouperate from Christmas and decide which way I want to go.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Southend Auto down in Renton does a great job on rebuilds. I'm in the category if the 55 fits I would go with that just to charge the battery up quicker as well as running any extra lights. Although I am sure the 33 amp would do the same thing. I have been looking for the LED running lamps to put on my Kubota. 1/3 of the current for about the same lighting power.

 

[dfkrug]

I upgraded my 4310 from 40 amp to 55 because of additional light , winch, accessory outlet, etc. If 40 amps will do you, I've got one for cheap.

The compact JDs use NipponDenso alternators, and they are very easy
to rebuild if the regulator, rectifier, or brushes are bad.

I don't know what brand is in the bigger Deeres, but rebuilder parts are
commonly available online for most alternator brands.

Also, there are some easy automotive alternator swaps that can be done,
sometimes with no tractor modifications.

I was able to swap my 955 35-40A unit for a 55A one from a Suzuki
Samurai. These alternators can be bought cheap from wrecking yards.
If you match the manufacturer, you can often get one with the same
connectors, too.

Unfortunately, my last bad JD atlernator had a bad stator, which took
out the reg, and the stator replacement costs as much as a used alternator.

That ND alternator from the 4310 will sell very easily on eBay.

 

[dcyrilc]

The compact JDs use NipponDenso alternators, and they are very easy
to rebuild if the regulator, rectifier, or brushes are bad.

I don't know what brand is in the bigger Deeres, but rebuilder parts are
commonly available online for most alternator brands.

Also, there are some easy automotive alternator swaps that can be done,
sometimes with no tractor modifications.

I was able to swap my 955 35-40A unit for a 55A one from a Suzuki
Samurai. These alternators can be bought cheap from wrecking yards.
If you match the manufacturer, you can often get one with the same
connectors, too.

Unfortunately, my last bad JD atlernator had a bad stator, which took
out the reg, and the stator replacement costs as much as a used alternator.

That ND alternator from the 4310 will sell very easily on eBay.

I don't know about the newer machines, but mine has a Bosch alternator. I checked with Napa, but they couldn't match up the part number on the alternator for a cross reference or rebuild kit. A remanufactured unit thru Deere is $250 for the 33 amp or $300 for the 55 amp. A new one is $450ish.

I supose that I should also mention that the regulator and brushes had a complete melt down.

 

[Soundguy]

that's what I figured price wise. it was gonna be a few bills either way. IMHO.. if you can swing the extra 50.. do it.. if you can't.. for sure don't loose sleep over it...

it will work either way.

soundguy

I don't know about the newer machines, but mine has a Bosch alternator. I checked with Napa, but they couldn't match up the part number on the alternator for a cross reference or rebuild kit. A remanufactured unit thru Deere is $250 for the 33 amp or $300 for the 55 amp. A new one is $450ish.

I supose that I should also mention that the regulator and brushes had a complete melt down.

 

[dcyrilc]

that's what I figured price wise. it was gonna be a few bills either way. IMHO.. if you can swing the extra 50.. do it.. if you can't.. for sure don't loose sleep over it...

it will work either way.

soundguy

Shouldn't be a big deal in a few months, but we'll be tight for the next month recovering from Christmas. I checked on the tractor after feeding cattle tonight. The battery tender showed it was fully charged, so I'm happy for now since I can still use the tractor. When I do replace it, I expect I'll go with the 55 amp since you never know what the future will hold for electrical requirements.

 

[Don87]

Shouldn't be a big deal in a few months, but we'll be tight for the next month recovering from Christmas. I checked on the tractor after feeding cattle tonight. The battery tender showed it was fully charged, so I'm happy for now since I can still use the tractor. When I do replace it, I expect I'll go with the 55 amp since you never know what the future will hold for electrical requirements.

That's the wisest move:thumbsup:

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Delco one wire.
enuf said