Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Alternator issue? (Read 1410 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Alternator issue?

Yahoo Message Number: 117836
Greetings-

I'm having an alternator issue- While running, the alternator seems to
be having reduced output - mid 12v, but then the voltage totally drops,
enough that my dash voltmeter shows less than 12v, occasionally it goes
up to like 13.6v. The dash meter actually shows clear bumps as the
voltage drops or increases, so it's not a gradual change.

I had thought that perhaps this was related to my lithium house
batteries, that when the oil pressure switch kicked in, and connected
the house/start batteries while driving, perhaps causing the overall
voltage to go to 13.6v+, and so the alternator dropping output. I have
disconnected that sending unit (so dash oil pressure gauge reads 0), but
this did not resolve this issue.

I am able to drive down the road just fine, and have no other issues
that I am aware of. I know from auto alternators, you can just drive on
the battery with no alternator, so I'm guessing that is basically what
it currently happening with the occasional normal voltage from the
alternator.

But clearly, something is amiss.

Any thoughts on where to start troubleshooting this?

Thanks,

Wes Owens
2000 CC Allure 36' #30443
Wes Owens
2000 CC Allure 36' #30443
Full time, western US summer, Mexico 6 months over winter.

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117837
Wes,

I don't like the way CC uses the pressure switch to tie the batteries together because if your house batteries are low your alternator can be trying to charge your chassis and house batteries at the same time. That's (6) 8D batteries in my case which will fry your alternator. I disabled the ability of my coach to do so and haven't lost a alternator since. I lost 3 previously. You might try running your generator going down the road which will give about a 10-15 amp charge to your chassis batteries as well as fully charge your house batteries if you are not in a position to work on it Right now.

I also limit the amount of charge by batteries get to about 10 amps ea. For Extended battery life.

Kevin Burns

2000 Affinity, 5865

Get Outlook for Android

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117839
Me too!! Corroded battery connections will stop everything, even my slide!

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117840
Start the coach, put it in fast idle, and take a reading at the Chassis Battery terminal to confirm what voltage it's seeing. If low, you probably need an alternator. (Is is OEM?)

If it is not outputting consistent voltage to the Chassis Battery, then yes to running the generator while driving, to support the Chassis Battery, which is supporting the engine's power needs while driving. (We too drove for about 800-900 miles this way, over a weeks period, as we completed a trip and returned to our home base to make repairs.)

I elected to upgrade my 170 Alternator to the Delco Remy 200 unit.

If you have ongoing concerns about the Lithium bank drawing too much from you Alternator, check into Balmar regulator (One link below.). You could also call Larry at Starlight Solar in Yuma, and ask him for input - he's pretty dang sharp on the Lithium integration into our coaches:)!

Best of luck to you,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017

https://search.defender.com/?expression=balmar%20+%20Ele015E
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117841
Used a product called Desiccant, for places with moisture. Can be found in packages on Amazon, plan to put some in our battery compartment.

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117845
Check to see if your alternator has a voltage regulator in the alternator and if it has replaceable bushes. On my coach the voltage regulator was bad, replaced it myself for $35, part bought on EBay
Mark

Re: Alternator issue?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117859
I have a 1996 Allure with a Cummings, no matter what engine the alternator issues will be the same. Mine was actually overcharging, I could replace the entire unit for big bucks or try the voltage regulator first. For $13.00 or so for the regulator I didn't have much to loose, it ended up just being the cheep regulator. All is good now, good luck to you. Let us know what happens. Tony.

Fwd: Alternator issue?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 117903
Replaced the alternator with a new-new one ($270 from Amazon) - and
problem resolved.

I considered replacing the regulator only (brushes were OK), but the date code on the old alternator was 9924, which I assume means 1999 since my RV is a 2000, and so probably wise to go ahead and replace the whole thing.

Thanks,
Wes Owens
Wes Owens
2000 CC Allure 36' #30443
Full time, western US summer, Mexico 6 months over winter.