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EvelynHoliday's avatar
EvelynHoliday
Explorer
Jan 30, 2023

New here! 1986 Holiday Rambler Alternator

Hi there!!

I have recently purchased a 1986 Holiday Rambler Chevy 454 p30 Chassis. It started when I bought it and now it won't start at all. My mechanic says it needs a new alternator since the batteries I replaced are brand new.

Any ideas on which alternator to get? I could really use some help--no idea how the whole system works. A manual would be helpful, but it didn't come with one.

Anyone dealing with or dealt with the same issue?

Thanks for your help! I am excited to work on it and get on the road!
Seeking Advice
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Feb 05, 2023
    Evelyn,

    Simple start of a diagnostic tree:
    If it doesn't start after sitting, it is the batteries.
    Charge the batteries.
    If it still doesn't start, look for a bad connection to the starter.
    If it started once and will not start 3~6 days later, you have a parasitic load killing the batteries.

    If you take it somewhere and it doesn't want to start to come home, that can be the alternator.
    If the lights get dim when running at night, that it the alternator.

    Early in the game, buy a plug in the lighter volt meter. Running you should see 13.5~14.5 Volts. After sitting should be 12.5~12.6. After three days, it should still say ~12.5.
    Cranking, the thing should stay over 10.0 Volts. If it drops below that, you have a problem that needs to be identified.

    The year 454 should have a 27SI alternator. They come in lots of flavors. If it has a single sheave pulley, do not install a replacement that is over 100 amp because it can make short work of that single belt.

    Matt

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