When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am hoping to put together a list of tried and true tips/ advice for waterproofing the electrical systems of our trucks, particularly in the 4x4 department. Specifically does anyone know if a guy can buy a totally waterproof alternator? Somthing that can run submerged in muddy water?
Not sure about that. The problem is cooling. If you sealed the alternator completely, then all the heat would have to be extracted through the case to the ambient air. The way they do it now is push ambient air through the alternator to cool it.
You may want to figure out what the military does with the hummer. I saw a show where they went through water over the hood. Of course it was a diesel with a snorkel so no sparkplugs to worry about, but you would think it had an alternator(may be 24 volt though).
Last edited by Franklin2; May 24, 2007 at 10:59 AM.
Low voltage electrical devices like starter motors and alternators work under fresh water. Connections should be sealed and greased with silicone dielectric compound. Eventually water will compromise connections thru corrosion tho.
kinda an old thread, but if it got going it would probably make a great sticky.
caddillac used a water cooled alternator, or you could have a disconnect (torque 1st, im kinda nervous about driving an alternator under water, even if it will work...)
weatherpack connectors if you cant get military grade., along with the dielectric grease
silicone the cap to the distributor, drill a vent. cover or plug when fording.