Alternator cooling fan?

mdm1 · Dec 30, 2022

In a 12v conversion on a tractor will the alternator over heat if you don't use the exterior cooling fan? Being in the open I was just wondering. I have a project that may not have much room and the fan might be a problem.

This post was edited by mdm1 on 12/30/2022 at 03:56 pm.

old · Dec 30, 2022

I've never found the fan to be in the way since it doesn't take up much room and I have had some fit pretty tight

riverbend · Dec 30, 2022

A couple things I would think about: 1)All alternators have cooling fans. 2) Heat is the death of electronics. What are you thinking about using for an alternator ? I think it is a Denso that is smaller than a Delco 10si. For sure Subaru alternators are smaller and put out plenty of power.

rustred · Dec 30, 2022

them small ones dont have the fan on them.

mdm1 · Dec 30, 2022

Kinda what I thought. I'm using an Hitachi. It does have a fan. When I put it on my G everything looked and worked good until I put the hood on. I don't want to cut the hood. I will look at the mounting bracket and see if I can redo that so maybe get some clearance. First time I ever did this so learning experience. I will be redoing to make sure the fan is there. Thanks for reaffirming what I thought.

rustred · Dec 30, 2022

its not going to matter. them alternators in vehicles nowadays are tucked in there tight then a cover over the engine just like an oven. i
sure dont see how an alternator on a tractor in the open with it being a problem with no fan. plus the rad fan would be sucking air through
them also. the alternator gets warmed up when its charging at a high output like with a dead battery.

old · Dec 30, 2022

On many application one needs to replace the belt with a shorter one so it sit inside the hood and sits a lot tighter to the engine it self

Steve@Advance · Dec 30, 2022

You could probably get by without the fan on a tractor as long as there is
not a continuous draw, such as an air conditioner, and it was not used to
recharge a dead battery (which should never be done anyway).

Alternators are pretty tough. Using an alternator with a fan on a working
tractor will quickly pack it with dirt and grass, blocking most of the air
flow anyway.

Mark-Mi · Dec 30, 2022

On a Hitachi I did not think the fan was any bigger diameter than the case.

MarkB_MI · Dec 31, 2022

Your tractor will draw only a small fraction of the electrical load that alternator was designed for. I doubt it cause the alternator to fail if you remove the fan. But if the fit is so tight removing the fan will make a difference in clearance, I think you'll need make some changes to the setup. Fan belts stretch, and you need a little room for adjustment.

Blackhole49 · Dec 31, 2022

You don't say what you are using it on and pictures always help, but there are lots of options available.
Untitled URL Link

mdm1 · Dec 31, 2022

Here is what I decided to do. I took the alternator off and redid the mounting brackets. Put the fan back and got a different belt. It works as it should now. I feel better putting the fan back. Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas.

Alternator cooling fan?

mdm1

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old

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riverbend

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rustred

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mdm1

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rustred

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old

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Steve@Advance

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Mark-Mi

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