altenator
My MH has VDO gauge, it is reading just a little over 11 volt while running , today i started my coach and the battery read 11.7 volts, once i started the engine it dropped to 11.4 , i started the gen...
Forum Discussion
Always check the alternator output AT THE ALTERNATOR and not just at the chassis battery. I say this because the problem I have is that my alternator is overcharging by 1.5 Volts (about 15.5 or more), while at the battery the charge shown is 14.5 (which is still over what the alternator is rated - 14.2).
This burned up a rebuilt alternator within 4000 miles. The shop which just rebuilt the alternator again detected the overcharging condition and did a wire patch to limit the output of the alternator to 14.2 so as not to burn it up again. I am guessing that there is some resistance within the circuit to the batteries but have yet to trace it through to find out what is causing the "request" to generator such a voltage from the alternator. The alternator tested out at the spec 14.2 voltage on the test bench before they put it into the C-12 Beaver Marquis engine. Bottom line, always test the alternator output at the alternator - shouldn't be more than 14.2 for a Leece Neville 160amp that I have.
This burned up a rebuilt alternator within 4000 miles. The shop which just rebuilt the alternator again detected the overcharging condition and did a wire patch to limit the output of the alternator to 14.2 so as not to burn it up again. I am guessing that there is some resistance within the circuit to the batteries but have yet to trace it through to find out what is causing the "request" to generator such a voltage from the alternator. The alternator tested out at the spec 14.2 voltage on the test bench before they put it into the C-12 Beaver Marquis engine. Bottom line, always test the alternator output at the alternator - shouldn't be more than 14.2 for a Leece Neville 160amp that I have.
