Can I Add a Second Alternator to My Main Diesel Engine?

Question:

I have a new 6cyl John Deere diesel main engine. It has one alternator, can I add a second one with a higher rating to charge my house bank more efficiently? Something like a 200 amp, that way I can have a larger house bank and be able to charge it more properly. - Donald

Answer:

Assuming your engine can have a second alternator installed, you can definitely have the existing alternator connected to the starter battery and the new larger alternator connected to your house battery.

How Do I Increase My Alternator Output to Charge My Batteries Faster?

Video
How Do I Increase My Alternator Output to Charge My Batteries Faster?

Should I Fuse the Alternator?

Video
Should I Fuse the Alternator?

Can I Use an External Regulator With Any Marine Alternator?

Video
Can I Use an External Regulator With Any Marine Alternator?

How Do I Fuse My Alternator to Prevent Nuisance Tripping?

Video
How Do I Fuse My Alternator to Prevent Nuisance Tripping?

How Can I Tell if My Alternator Is Working?

Video
How Can I Tell if My Alternator Is Working?

Can I Use One Alternator to Charge an Flooded Lead Acid Starter Battery and an AGM House Battery?

Video
Can I Use One Alternator to Charge an Flooded Lead Acid Starter Battery and an AGM House Battery?

Your Alternator is OVERHEATING Because of Your Lithium Batteries! | PYS TECH TALK

Video
Your Alternator is OVERHEATING Because of Your Lithium Batteries! | PYS TECH TALK

Should I Use a Battery Isolator When I Am Charging Lithium Batteries With My Boat’s Alternator?

Video
Should I Use a Battery Isolator When I Am Charging Lithium Batteries With My Boat’s Alternator?

How Do I Charge a Lithium House Bank and a Lead Acid Starter Battery With My Alternator?

Video
How Do I Charge a Lithium House Bank and a Lead Acid Starter Battery With My Alternator?

Charging Lithium Batteries with My Boat's Alternator

Video
Charging Lithium Batteries with My Boat's Alternator

Can I Charge Two or Three Battery Banks With One Alternator?

Video
Can I Charge Two or Three Battery Banks With One Alternator?

How To: Marine Electrical Seminar - Alternator Troubleshooting - Episode 22

Video
How To: Marine Electrical Seminar - Alternator Troubleshooting - Episode 22

Upgrading Your Alternator? These Are OUR Top Tips

Video
Upgrading Your Alternator? These Are OUR Top Tips

I Am Upgrading My Alternator, How Will This Affect My AGM Batteries?

Video
I Am Upgrading My Alternator, How Will This Affect My AGM Batteries?

Charging Lithium Batteries on My Boat With an Alternator?

Video
Charging Lithium Batteries on My Boat With an Alternator?

What Is the Best Setup for Charging Multiple Battery Banks From an Alternator?

Video
What Is the Best Setup for Charging Multiple Battery Banks From an Alternator?

Do the Cables From the Alternator on My Boat Have to Be the Same Length?

Video
Do the Cables From the Alternator on My Boat Have to Be the Same Length?

How Do I Charge Two Separate Batteries With One Alternator?

Video
How Do I Charge Two Separate Batteries With One Alternator?

Is It Safe to Charge My Boat Batteries With Solar and the Alternator at the Same Time?

Video
Is It Safe to Charge My Boat Batteries With Solar and the Alternator at the Same Time?

Should I Disconnect My Solar Panels When I Am Charging With My Alternator?

Video
Should I Disconnect My Solar Panels When I Am Charging With My Alternator?