Talk to me like I know nothing - and not far from the truth:)!

April 09, 2016, 03:00:23 pm

A few of you may have seen this on IRV2, I'm chasing down what I think is a bad alternator.

But about 6 weeks or so ago, while programming my Solar Controller, I did blew inline blade fuse of the Magnum Smart Battery Combiner (SBC). Which allowed my 5 year old CAT 8D MF Chassis battery to drop down pretty low, lower then I've ever let it get. Found the fuse was blown, and brought everything slowly back up to full charge. As we were plugged in to SP the bulk of this time, and along with the Solar Power, the Chassis battery remained topped off well.

We've moved the coach from Yuma to Tucson, and about 45 minutes or so after we left Yuma, my Silverleaf display changed from my standard Trip setting values, to display the Voltage values. We'd dropped down to 12.4V by the time I noticed the display had changed. (And while I always monitor my analog gauges, the voltage gauge has always had a little fluctuations tong on, so really did not catch my eye that it was a bit lower then the norm.). Once I saw the Silverleaf displayed value drop to 12.3V, we fired up the generator, and have driven this way for the last few days until we got back to San Diego a few days ago.

Today I pulled the coach out. Checked chassis battery voltage. Started the engine on low idle and checked the voltage, and then upped the idle to 1200RPM and checked the voltage - no fluctuations in any reading, no power is getting from the alternator to the chassis battery.

My questions now:
1) If I blew an inline fuse for the Magnum Smart Battery Combiner. Is their another fuse or relay or I'll say regulator that I should check to see if I've blown something. (This is the part where I'm asking you to treat me like I know nothing:)!)

2) The DW was not too keen on me trying to stand up in between the back of the coach and the engine, to see if I could get a reading off of the alternator itself. (Now, 30-40+ years or so I could, and would, have done this in a heartbeat. Today, I don't quite bend, or unbend, like I used to. And I believe the term 'interference fit' may come into play with my belly and the tighter confines behind that moving fan belt... not a combo meeting I would like or enjoy.) So, is their another bus or junction where I might look to see if the alternator is putting out power? Could I simply have something blown in between the alternator output, and the battery terminals?

3) Coach was built in Sept of 2003 and has the ISL370 and the 160A alternator. I recall many others abandoning the OEM unit and going over to the Delco Remy unit. (My notes from a few years ago indicated a part number of 860311, and bumping up to the 180A output. Is the the unit that is recommended by those of you that have made this changeover. Is is a direct replacement, or is spacers and or different size fan belts required for this changeover too? Going from 160A to 180A, is their any other components that should also be changed over?

OK, those are the questions I could think of. What other questions should I have asked? Others pearls of wisdom or suggestions are welcomed.

TIA, and best to all,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017

Re: Talk to me like I know nothing - and not far from the truth:)!

Reply #1 – April 09, 2016, 08:52:00 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 105489

Smitty, my Allure should be close to the same as yours, as I recall the "hot" lead off the alternator goes directly to the chassis battery + (no fuse) you should be able to trace which lead it is at the battery and check voltage at the post. Good luck, Steve Ridgway
2004 Allure 30990

Re: Talk to me like I know nothing - and not far from the truth:)!

Reply #2 – April 09, 2016, 09:00:09 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 105490

Smitty, Sounds like your Leece Neville alternator has given up. They don't have a very good reputation and are very expensive compared to the Delco Remy. The part number you need is 8600311. It's a direct replacement and you will need to transfer the pulley from the old unit to the new one. No other modifications needed. Also the ground connection for the Delco bolts to the side of the alternator instead of to the mounting bolt. Easy connection.

You might want to add a wire from the Remote Sense connection on the back of the alternator and the other end to the chassis battery positive terminal. With this installed the voltage will be regulated at the battery instead of at the alternator. If you don't add this the voltage will automatically be regulated at the alternator.

It's not unusual to blow a fuse on the Magnum as it can pass much more current than the Xantrex did (such as a very low chassis battery). I installed the small circuit breakers so if they trip they will reset themselves. They fit where the flat spaded fuses are used so if you have the original round glass fuses you will need to replace the fuse holders to accomplish this.

8600311 - New Genuine OEM Delco-Remy Alternator (Same Day Shipping M-F)
Leece Neville
Amazon.com: Bussmann (BP/CBB-30-RP) 30 Amp Type-II ATC Blade Circuit...

Let me know if you have any other questions. Barney07 Inspire 52059

As an Amazon Associate Country Coach Owners Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Talk to me like I know nothing - and not far from the truth:)!

Reply #3 – April 11, 2016, 01:09:46 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 105526

Thanks to you both!

Steve - I chased the positive until I loss it going thru the firewall, was not positive which one it was from the other side.

Barney, appreciated your adding the pictures, and tips on installing.

Have ordered the alternator.

Best to all,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017

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