36 V Alternator and regulator

Bowmore · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:12 pm **Posts:** 195

Help! I am refurbishing the GE 23 ton switcher. I want to use 3 type 31 batteries and run the system on 36 volts rather than 32. The present alternator delivers 32 volts, which is not enough,
Can anyone recommend a source for these items. I might just need a 36 volt voltage regulator with the existing alternator.
Thank you

EWrice · **Joined:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:14 am **Posts:** 353

Depending on the alternator it is a good possibility that just changing the reg will work. I would like to offer a simpler solution: leave the electrical system alone and replace your batteries with 2 31 series batteries and an 8 volt battery (8v195 is what I used). I have used this on many older boats and a GE 50 ton loco with good results.

Bowmore · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:12 pm **Posts:** 195

EWrice wrote:

Depending on the alternator it is a good possibility that just changing the reg will work. I would like to offer a simpler solution: leave the electrical system alone and replace your batteries with 2 31 series batteries and an 8 volt battery (8v195 is what I used). I have used this on many older boats and a GE 50 ton loco with good results.

Great idea! I was considering that, but was worried about the voltage differences. I am now more confident it will work ..

Bowmore · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:12 pm **Posts:** 195

Please tell me the manufacturer and size of the 8 v battery, I am having a problem finding one Thanks

Al Stangenberger · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:59 pm **Posts:** 644

Interstate Batteries
is one supplier. They have several industrial 8-volt batteries.

EWrice · **Joined:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:14 am **Posts:** 353

8v195 should be the Deka p/n. It is a good pair to the 31 series truck/equipment batteries. If you used an 825 battery, it would be better paired with 2 8D or 9D 12v batteries. The latter would be better suited to colder climates or hard starting engines because they have more reserve capacity. We used the former in a Michigan locomotive that rolled over good down to 20 degrees. Below that she needed block heaters.

Bowmore · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:12 pm **Posts:** 195

WOW!! Once again, all my friends here have helped me solve a problem.
BTW, when I was in Hawaii last November, I met the folks at the Hawaiian Railroad on Oahu, and the mechanic and engineer on the Kilohana RR on Kauai, both of whom had replied to me on this site.

M Secco · **Joined:** Sun May 12, 2013 2:46 pm **Posts:** 245

Caterpillar company dealers also carry 8 volt 950 amp. batteries and they are everywhere. These batteries are pretty much the standard size for a 4 battery 32 volt system and should fit perfectly in your battery box. You can get their Dimensions from any Cat dealer or online. Three years ago I paid about $970 for a set of four batteries for an Ohio locomotive crane with a Detroit 8v 71 with a shunt wound traction generator attached to it which also starts the engine. In my 37 years of railroad experience with heavy railroad Maintenance of Way Equipment and small locomotive I have never seen a mixture of different size batteries. The batteries must all be the same type and size.

36 V Alternator and regulator

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