dgcarousel wrote:
We are getting 12.2 to the starting battery when the engine is off and 12.4 when it is running. The alternator to the house battery is just over 13 volts. Sounds like I need to have to get the battery and alternator replaced. This something I can do with a little muscle help.
DG,
You have something wrong in the charging circuit. Without being there to run the checks I normally would for a client, I cannot tell you where. Your current alternator should be adequate to the load you have.
The readings you post tell me that something is wrong at or about the isolator. When the main engine is above idle, the voltage measured at the two outer posts of the isolator should be very close and the center that is connected directly to the alternator should be about 0.6V higher.
A resting fully charged 12V battery should be 12.6V.
A battery needs to get to a terminal of 13.6~14.2 to charge very much at all.
Good Luck Guy
Matt
