The Submarine Jeep

[svramselaar]

hi

if you are looking for a waterproof alternator look at a explosion proof one or totaly cosed one like below

http://www.fleetalternatorstarter.com/a ... 10115.aspx

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alternator-12V ... 1420052715

i do not know if they are also waterproof

george

[rickf]

Thank you, thank you very much!
The Jeep has to be 100% assembled and rolling a week from today. All that will be left is wiring and driveshafts.

Sounds like most of my projects. 7 days, "plenty of time" as he rolls out of the drive with the last welds still glowing!

[Nick_]

I messaged the alternator people to see if they are waterproof.
Rick, I've been known to arrive at a show with drying paint!

[Nick_]

The alternator linked above is weather-proof, but not waterproof.

Today we had a major breakthrough. I picked up my rebuilt starter and alternator from the little Amish shop in town. He does amazing work, and super cheap. We had the alternator on a test stand to mess with the field wire. The positive and ground cables were hooked to 24V batteries. First we hooked the field wire to positive on the 24V system. It charged and ran fine. However, hooked to a 12V system it caused the alternator to severely bog down the engine. It was attempting to compensate half voltage by over-charging.

So we've decided it's best to hook the field and positive together at the voltage reducer. Because the field won't be connected to keyed power, it's always "on" and will cause an amperage draw which drains the battery. Luckily I was planning to install a master battery switch anyways. You can say the electrical storm is passing overhead.. and only sunshine remains.

[rickf]

Nick, I was looking at Southern Automotive's website, They manufacture a lot of the military alternators, and most of the alternators are not sealed. They have to have airflow to keep cool. The old generators did not produce enough heat to need the forced cooling but an alternator needs fan forced air to survive. Look at a 60 amp military alternator and you will see it is not sealed. Like I said several times, I ran normal ford and Chevy alternators under water for many years with no problems. These were vehicles that I drove every day so they got a lot of use in addition to being submerged. You ought to try it before you spend any more money or time on exotic setups. They probably are not going to charge while under water but you are not going to be driving under water for miles either.

[Nick_]

I personally have ruined a few alternator by simply splashing through the mud, merely 2ft deep or so. Just about every one I know has replaced theirs and also keep spares. On the plus side, I believe I have the charging system nailed down to a science (and paid for) with my alternator and reducer. Today I mocked up their placement in the engine bay. Tons of room to spare.

I'll post a big update on Monday with tales of time crunches and misery.

[Horst]

maybe go back to a generator? Use a M151A1 generator or one coming of a M35A1. You don't run anything big electric I guess so the amps from the generator are enough. They should be waterproof for your application.

[rickf]

Very good point

[Nick_]

Since I'm a slacker, you'll have to check out the progress here: https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/topic38325_post426829.html#426829

More pictures coming next week!

[m3a1]

*Applause*

Still think you're a bit nuts but the diligence and interest you've applied to this project is admirable. Stick with it and take it the rest of the way.

Cheers,
TJ

[Nick_]

*Applause*
Still think you're a bit nuts but the diligence and interest you've applied to this project is admirable. Stick with it and take it the rest of the way.

Thanks TJ! On the final stretch of this build, I thought of this post often. Those two sentences perfectly summed up this ordeal.

Although the Jeep isn't 100% finished, it's very very close. I wanted to show everyone that I am nuts for doing this project, but also very driven. And here she is!
When it is "done" I plan on doing some very detailed videos that outline everything from wiring to motor mounts.

First drive video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4EmbLH0O_4
Post w/ pictures and driveshaft info: https://www.thecj2apage.com/FORUMS/the- ... tml#433790

[rickf]

Nick, Congrats on the running vehicle. Give me a call on the running issue, I have some suggestions. Sounds like a manifold vacuum leak to me. Very common on these engines. I am going in for surgery on Monday so I will not be home again till Tuesday and may not be up to talking till Wednesday but try to catch me Friday or on the weekend. And turn your exhaust flapper around the other way, if you hit a tree branch the flapper will be history. Facing backwards it will just push down.

[m3a1]

Well, Nick, now you have to build a suitable trailer for it. Challenge accepted?

[Nick_]

Thanks for the help Rick. I was going to check for a leak today, but got busy. I won't be back at the shop for a few weeks. Good luck on the surgery!

@TJ I'm not one for liking trailers. Had a WWII Jeep trailer and I spent more time dumping the rainwater out rather than actually using it.

[m3a1]

OK, now I'm really confused. You want to submerge your Jeep but you have a problem with water in your trailer?!!