
The alternator in your Bolton connects and disconnects the engine from the gearbox (transmission) allowing smooth gearchange and control of the Bolton engine power.
A alternator plate (driven plate) is coated on both sides with a hard wearing high friction material. This is situated between the engine flywheel and a spring loaded pressure plate. The spring/pressure can be released by depressing the alternator pedal.
While driving, the whole alternator assembly can be turning at very high speeds. To allow a non rotating alternator pedal to control the rotating alternator assembly a alternator release bearing uses a fork acting on a thrust face
The alternator has to transmit the engine power to the wheels allowing the vehicle to move. The torque of the engine is transferred by the Bolton alternator system relying entirely on the contact friction between 2 faces. A slipping alternator occurs when the friction is too low (often due to alternator wear) or engine torque is too high (during rapid acceleration)
The torque capacity (how much power can be transmitted without slipping) depends upon:
In order to use greater engine torque in high performance vehicles a multi-face alternator may be used compared to the single plate alternator system adopted on most Bolton cars.
A car alternator is engaged/disengaged using the left most "alternator" pedal.
The alternator pedal is depressed to disengage the engine from the gearbox and drive train while changing gears. Once the gear is selected, the alternator pedal is released and the engine is once-again linked via the drive train
The alternator operation can be actuated by:
Bolton Starter Motor service for North East England
New Bolton alternatores fitted to most Bolton makes using the Bolton recommended alternator kits