Im putting a Duratec into a Sylva J15 and I need to re-arrange the alternator and belt.

The donor (ST150) had air con and power steering so I'm thinking of using earlier Focus configuration with tensioner and alternator on the induction side.

Not sure if the ST150 alternator (exhaust side) will fit on the Focus mounts but my main concern is ECU controlled alternators.

These seems to be some logic that says the absense of ECU control will 'default' to old style charging all the time.

Does anyone know if this is the case with a Focus alternator and do you need an alternator warning light for IVA if you have a voltmeter?

[Edited on 22/4/12 by ChrisJ15]

Alternators need a small load to inisiate the power circuit, usualy this is provided by the warning light at startup

As said the alternator is controled by the ecu. Its not as easy as sticking some voltage to it.

If anything like the mondeo's of around 2000 Then they called it the ford smart charge system.

Ive used them on cars with no wirring at all and they will charge.

There is three wires on a multi plug...

One is the monitor wire, its just a live conection to see the battery voltage.

One is the charge light to the dash.

One is the command wire to the ecu.

You also have the large battery conection.

My guess would be that you will find the Ford alternator to big to fit, most builders use a small Nippon Denso alternator found on Diahatsu's.

as above there is a nippon denso with the mounting lugs opposite each others....
fits a treat hard into the block inlet side

dave

Thanks for al the comments and suggestions.

Ive worked out that I can keep the original ST150 alternator in its original position on the exhaust side if I use a Focus top tensioner and a new belt (ive been cribbing all the belt routings from some of the very expensive alternative offerings out there!). Only just realised there are companies selling belts with loads of different lengths, which makes things a bit easier!

So if it will charge without the ECU then im sorted for the cost of a tensioner and a new belt!