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: OBW? A/C clutch on Alternator? 71K5 08-23-2002, 04:39 PM Has anyone ever tried to mount an A/C clutch on the Ford Alternator for the On Board Welder conversion. Most of ya'll that have done this talk about it running all the time or putting the belt on or off. why not just mount an electric clutch? or does it not have the hold force needed?:idea: :beer: Lil'John 08-23-2002, 05:51 PM I am all for making things complex as all hell and being inovative... but I'll have to ask the obvious question of: WHY??? The drag on the motor will be at a minimum until you turn the welder on and THEN it bogs down like a SOB. As for why some people don't permanently mount them, some engines don't have the room. 71K5 08-23-2002, 06:31 PM that's my thought, permenatly mount it in the engine bay with the belt on it, but why not put a clutch on it so it's not always spinning? or does it really matter? thought being I could have a switch in the cab like I would for the on board air setup, and just flip the switch to engage the clutch.... Lil'John 08-23-2002, 07:59 PM Originally posted by 71K5 that's my thought, permenatly mount it in the engine bay with the belt on it, but why not put a clutch on it so it's not always spinning? or does it really matter? thought being I could have a switch in the cab like I would for the on board air setup, and just flip the switch to engage the clutch.... I still don't see any point. Are you worried about the "loss of HP"? Or is the concern about "destroying the alternator by continually spinning it"? If it is the loss of HP, its a non-issue. In order to weld, you have to apply power to the alternator. Until there is power to the alternator AND it is welding, it is not providing any more drag than you would get from an AC. In short, not much HP loss. If it is the wearing out the alternator from continual spinning, I don't think it is an issue. Myself, I haven't heard of an alternator going bad because of the bearing(not saying it can't happen). You'd wear out the bearing of the clutch just as quickly as the bearings in the alternator. Originally posted by 71K5 thought being I could have a switch in the cab like I would for the on board air setup, and just flip the switch to engage the clutch.... However, even if the clutch is engaged, you STILL need to supply power to the field of the alternator before you can weld. So nothing is gained. 71K5 08-23-2002, 08:01 PM K thanx for your input, makes sence now | |