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Volvo D3 Alternator

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Arcadia View Drop Down
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    Posted: 31 July 2022 at 01:16
Has anyone with the Volvo D3 engine, installed on 575’s and 588’s, had any failure of the 140 amp alternator. I’ve lost charging output on mine today at about 650 hours. Seems premature and I was just wondering how common this may be. Any comment are welcome. 
Leon / ARCADIA
2018 Hanse 588
Sag Harbor, NY
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Wayne's World View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wayne's World Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 July 2022 at 07:00
We are on our second alternator on our VP D3 110hp. Failures happened about 1,400hrs and 2600hrs. So we keep a spare onboard now. 
Wayne W
Cruising, currently in the Pacific until the end of 2026.
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Arcadia View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Arcadia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 July 2022 at 08:09
Hi Wayne. Noted. Did you spring for original equipment (pricey) or aftermarket ($300) ???
Leon / ARCADIA
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wayne's World Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 August 2022 at 01:45
Leon,

I replaced the first alternator with a Volvo unit in Greece (Corfu) at a cost of about Euro500. We were in the Caribbean  (ABC islands) when that unit failed and was quoted USD$1,200 plus freight by the VP dealer in Curacao. I endered up ordering one from a supplier in Belgium. This unit was not branded VP (not painted green) but the same unit from the original manufacturer (Bosch). The cost for the unit including fast freight was about Euro 550. I wasn't sure if the would be the exact replacement alternator but it ended up being perfect. So I ordered a second unit from the same supplier. 
Wayne W
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Arcadia View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Arcadia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 August 2022 at 02:08
Thanks for that info. I did a bit of digging and it seems that 99% of the time, the failure is in the regulator or what Volvo calls the “governor”. It is mounted on the back of the housing, easily replaced without removing the alternator. Cost is about $100 US and sold at most Volvo auto shops! I’m giving it a try and I’ll let you know the results. Here in the states, the same Volvo auto shops offer a trade in for a rebuilt unit for about $400. 
Leon / ARCADIA
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wayne's World Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 August 2022 at 06:32
I purchased the external part and replaced it which did not fix the issue. They service person in Corfu and in Curacao both told me these alternators are not repairable.  
Wayne W
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Arcadia View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Arcadia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 September 2022 at 04:24
Just a follow up on this. I have since replaced the unit with an after market unit for $275 US. It’s rated at 180 amp, drop in replacement. It took some digging around to find this. About 100 hrs now and going strong, and puts out quite a bit more than the Volvo unit. I just ordered a spare. The company is RARE ELECTRICAL part number 20855NB2, on Amazon no less!
Leon / ARCADIA
2018 Hanse 588
Sag Harbor, NY
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marcopone View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote marcopone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 August 2024 at 21:41
I also had an alternator failure @ 1400 engine hours.

I investigated about this issue and came to this conclusion :
the stock Volvo D3 alternator is a car alternator.
It is good for keeping the engine in function with its own electrical loads.

It is absolutely not strong enough for charging the service batteries.
For this purpose there are heavy duty alternators who can sustain high loads for very long time.

Most serious boats shipyards do install a second alternator for the service batteries.
This is the way to go.
No surprise that the Volvo D3 alternator does not last long.

The problem to install a second alternator is the space availability in the motor room.

Marco
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