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Not Charging as it Should

Yahoo Message Number: 78061
Hi all,

On my way into our current site, I noticed that the voltmeter was reading around 12.5 rather than 13.5+ as was the norm. Tomorrow, I'm going to clean the battery terminals and see it that makes difference. Any other suggestions? I am prepared to pull the alternator to get it bench tested, but wanted to ensure I hit all the easier options first.

Thx,
Brian

2000 Allure #30507

Re: Not Charging as it Should

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78076
You might also take a voltage reading at the battery terminals, if you have not done so already, to eliminate a gauge problem.
My Gillig manual has an extensive description of testing the alternator. Perhaps CC provided that outline in their chassis manual.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Not Charging as it Should

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78078
We have had issues with the alternator on our 97 Magna. Had a new voltage regulator installed and new bearings. Never has shown the operation as it should. At times it would not charge at all. Bang on the regulator/brush holder and then it would charge for awhile. Brush sticking is a know problem. Then it started to overcharge, over 15 volts. Got tired of messing with it, replaced it with a 200 amp more modern design purchased here:

http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?item=506
For the first time I/m seeing charging rates as they should be. Think I'm going to really like this change. Think the old one caused me to have chassis battery premature failure, never did charge them up as they should be charged. Have not taken on a road trip yet, but so nice to start the engine and at idle see the charging voltage at 14.8 on all batteries. The new design charges at lower RPM's. Had the old one to not even keep the coach batteries up while running the inverter for 110, going down the road. Yep! Going to really enjoy the new alternator.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Service in Texas

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78084
Does anybody have any experience with service facility in Texas that can service the brakes on a CC?

Anyplace between Austin and Fort Worth would be the best for us.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Jurhee

2003 Intrigue

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78085
National Indoor Storage (469-277-1330) in Lewisville TX is a full service motor home facility.

My limited experience with them has been positive.
Good Luck,
RJ

Inspire 330 F423965

Re: Not Charging as it Should

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78086
OK,

The recommendation to check the voltage before doing anything made sense. So, this morning, after the asst driver left to run errands, I unplugged the power cord and started the coach. I got 13.7V from directly on the chassis battery posts.
Since it was at the posts, the alternator output and connections should be OK. It could be: the voltmeter; one of the coach batteries could be low enough to cause the meter to read low; or a misc dirty or loose connection.
For the time being, I'm going to leave well enough alone. I'll be home in a week. Then I'll be comfortable cleaning all the connections and rotating the batteries. It needs to be done anyways and it may resolve the issue. If not, I'll get up behind the dash and check the voltage at the voltmeter.

Thx for the input,
Brian

Allure 30507

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78092
Jurhee,

Great place and inexpensive is Southwest Brake & Alignment in San Antonio. 3930 I-35 Exit 161 210-225-5577, last time I was in for Independent Front Suspension Align. was $77.00, really know their stuff.

Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78094
Though not between FT. Worth & Austin, the Foretravel factory in Nacogdoches (Foretravel of Texas), works on Country Coaches and does great work.
Bill, 05 Intrigue, 11881

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78095
Foretravel and Motorhomes of Texas are both great. Yes we do miss our Foretravel! We found a place in Waco that we are going to try. We are on the way and will see the early in the morning. I will try to post comments after we are done. We are going in for maintenance -- oil, filters, etc. and have the brakes checked.

Jurhee

2003 intrigue

Jurhee

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78096
Have you considered Coach Care (Cummins) in Houston? We have used Cummins Coach Care in 2 other states and found both to be extremely knowledgeable and professional. We had both the generator serviced (they had to drop the generator to change the best), and the air dryer (brakes) serviced in Tulsa at Cummins Coach Care and they did an oustanding job at a reasonable price. We have never used the one in Houston. They have overnight parking spots with electric hookups.
Lonny & Diane
'04 Allure 33'
#31065

Re: Service in Texas

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78101
We have used several Coach Care locations through the years and all have been good. We were just trying to a avoid driving several hundred miles to spend several hundred dollars. LOL.

We are in Waco TX. I will post results after the service tomorrow.

Jurhee