Alternator upgrade? 40si too much juice?

Discussion in 'Western Star Forum' started by ohandy1, Apr 24, 2025 at 12:16 PM.

  1. ohandy1

    ohandy1 Bobtail Member

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    2006 WS 4900ex ser.60

    I put in dual purpose LiFePO4 starter batteries and they work great. I can leave the inverter on for over 24hrs with the fridge and freezer on. I'm adding a 12v ac. I'm worried my 24si 160A alternator won't keep up, so i'm looking at the 40si with 320A (Delco Remy). That means upgrading the wires to 2/0. Ok...

    The issue I'm looking at is those wires go to a power distribution board. Will that board handle the increased amps?

    Has anyone tried this?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Without seeing the system or a schematic I can't give you 100% definitive advice but does that alternator cable run only to that board? Or is there a 2nd cable on that same stud on the board that runs down to the starter or batteries?
     
    beastr123 Thanks this.
  4. ohandy1

    ohandy1 Bobtail Member

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    only to the board. at least so it appears. I don't see even a wire as large coming from the board.
     
  5. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Joel Morrow is only running a 200A alternator with 560Ah LiFePo4 capacity and a capacitor. He actually downsized from a 320A alternator.
     
  6. ohandy1

    ohandy1 Bobtail Member

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    That's helpful, thanks.

    Maybe I'll run a bit and see how well it charges. I have A/C but it struggles in direct sun, as most do in older trucks. I was thinking I could keep the 12v A/C running to augment the cool, but that doesn't leave a lot of amps for recharging. Easy enough to not run the electric ac if I'm not getting enough power and then look to upgrade. I went without AC for a couple years here in FL, I don't wanna go back.

    I haven't been OTR for a few years and don't wanna run back home cuz I didn't plan well enough.
     
    ducnut Thanks this.
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    I just replaced my delco Remy 165 amp with a Leece Neville 210 amp
     
  8. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Screenshot_20250424_172052_Chrome.jpg
    Call these people, they are awesome and specialize in alternators
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2025 at 5:42 PM
  9. ohandy1

    ohandy1 Bobtail Member

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    But did they upgrade the wires? Swapping the alternator doesn't scare me, changing from 1/0 to 3/0 wire kinda does.
     
  10. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    No i just put on the 210 amp. Thwy are very knowledgeable, and are super nice people. They will be happy to answer any questions that you have.
     
  11. JB7

    JB7 Medium Load Member

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