2015 Tripac Evolution alternator swap

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by 86scotty, Dec 22, 2022.

  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I've got a 2015 Tpac Evolution Arctic package, 120 amp alternator. About 3k hours and I I'm getting all sorts of codes including alternator codes. I have checked all fuses and replaced the big 50 amp top fuse that fails on the back wall of the main unit.

    Here's the question, there are some reputable 65 amp alternators online for around $100. Thermo King wants $400 for the replacement 120 amp. Can I put a 65 on it? I know the older Tpacs had a 65 so I'm pretty sure it's physically the same. I understand it will put out a lot less power. I'm happy starting the truck when I need more juice for microwave, etc.

    I'm also wondering what 'single voltage' vs. 'dual voltage means on some of the alternators and voltage regulators I'm seeing online. Anyone know?
     
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  3. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    As long as the pulley is changed from the 120 to the 65 you should be ok. As far as codes, usually alternator codes are because of the dense wire and alternator module.

    as for dual voltage, if I’m not mistaken you mean 12v/24v?
     
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  4. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Thanks, I have no idea if that's what they mean. Some of the voltage regulators and alternators on sites like Thermo-by-Products are single or dual voltage. I called and the guy there today couldn't answer, said he'd have someone that knows call me back.
     
  5. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    not sure why sense wire was auto corrected to dense wire, but it’s sense. It senses the battery voltage and if that’s out, it will throw a code. I also forgot to mention the sense wire usually has a small 5 amp fuse near the battery. Did you check that as well?
     
  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Check ur ground straps too. If they corroded or have bad connection it will throw alt codes... is the apu running? Or does it shut down when it throws a code?
     
  7. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Yes, I'm familiar with the sense wire and I knew what you meant. I've cleaned both connections at battery (big fuse and sense wire fuse and terminals) and also checked every other fuse. No problems there.

    Yes, I've checked them too. I've pulled all grounds and cleaned them. Pulled all the wires off the alternator as well (power and ground).

    I also added a fresh ground to the board inside the cab. This was on the recommendation of a Thermo-King tech awhile back. He said the boards sometimes lose ground but there is a big ground lug on the board. You can just run a fresh ground to body from that lug, which I did also. Everything on the board checks out but I'm basically just checking for power and ground, I don't know any more of the specific voltages or what not to check on the board.
     
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  8. shatteredsquare

    shatteredsquare Road Train Member

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    anybody know where to source a replacement voltage regulator for TK alternator? alternator says made in czech republic. getting kind of annoyed with swapping them three or four times a year, about to dig into what the actual issue is. heat? I will cut a hole in the box and rivet a screened vent in place, the fan pulls air out but there is no inlet. a brand new alternator pushes 14.2v for three months then one day while tripac ac is running the truck low voltage clicks off, inverter showing 12.2v without tripac shutting down for ALT code. just running doing nothing. replacing the regulator probably a lot cheaper, i'm gonna take the old alt to get tested and find the actual point of failure, truck alternator has 600k+ miles on it from factory and is 6 years old, has never skipped a beat, way more cooling up there compared to the bottom corner of a unvented metal box

    [​IMG]
     
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