Max IV external alternator install

[ARGOJIM]

Jim,

Do you know if Argo disables the internal alternator when they add the external option?

Well, yes? Most of the Argo units the alternator kit was available for have a inline fuse for protection of the stock system, the fuse is removed leaving the system functional but not charging the battery. The Kawasaki unplugged from the regulator and the alt. wire kit plugged in.
If your machine has no fuse, and a briggs just disconnect the red while at the regulator.

[CBass]

I am loving yall set ups for the alternator. Thank you for the post, it gives me some ideas for the Hustler.

[xbunsenx]

Jim,
When I was looking around for information on a dual alternator setup, there were people that run them in parallel. Are you saying that this is a bad setup and it will damage something? I would prefer to leave both operational, but I can certainly unplug the regulator for the internal alternator to disable it.

[ARGOJIM]

I am not saying that at all, as I truthfully do not know if it will harm the system or not, however if it were to harm the system you would not know until after the second alt fails.

What I am saying is Argo disconnects the factory system during higher amp alternator charge, this also leaves you with a second system in reserve. Would suck to loose the alternator on a night ride and have no back up, trust me been there and factory kit helped us ride another 3 hours and then 2 days after belt failure.

Personally I went with the B&S for the pull start which makes it a stand alone engine, in other words I can run with no power, Sandy has an alternator and after belt failure at one Busco Friday Night ride she got shut off and the rope was in NJ, I plugged the stock kit back in and maybe used a strap on the clutch or shoe string next day (ask Rick I don't recall) but stock system pulled the rest of the weekend out once started initially.

[xbunsenx]

That is a good idea to leave the internal alternator disconnected and use it as a back up system. I am thinking of ordering a larger pulley to get the external to excite at initial start-up without revving the engine to excite it. I think you convinced me. Thank you.

[jerseybigfoot]

It will fry the wiring of the smaller rectifier when the larger alternator is at full load. could install a circuit breaker but breaker will eventually fail.

[xbunsenx]

Didn't think about that. I was already planning to disabling the internal alternator by disconnecting the regulator as soon as I get back to messing with it. I am also planning to purchase a larger pulley (maybe 6" vs 4.5") to make the external alternator excite at initial startup without revving the engine.

[xbunsenx]

I disabled the internal alternator by disconnecting the voltage regulator. I also did more testing and found that the external alternator does indeed charge at initial startup without revving the engine to excite. I don't have an explanation for why it did not before, but it does now. I will leave the 4.5" drive pulley in place. The alternator puts out 14.7v at idle.