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Alternator Charging Problems

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Tim Bentley:
My alternator does not seem to be charging the batteries.  When I start out in the morning the charge rate reads 13.9 and as I drive it drops off to 12.4 and below.  Have been running the generator to recharge when it gets low.  Yesterday I removed the top of what I think is the regulator and cleaned the contacts and replaced the brushes.  Don't do this unless you have read the how to as they are difficult to get back in.  
This has helped but only intermittently.  Now it charges off and on.  My next step is to replace the alternator as I have a spare.  Does anyone have any other suggestions as to what the problem might be?

Tom Halter:
Tim I noticed the problem you are having with the alternator charging. If the generator will keep the chassis batteries charged then yes your alternator has an issue. You can have the old alternator rebuilt for alot less than a new one would cost. This normaly only takes a day or two at the most if you can find a reliable shop to do it for you.

Bert Novak:
Hi Tim
Sometimes the crimps on the wires at the alternator are not the best; pull on them and see if they separate.
AutoZone will check the alternator for output for free if you bring it to the store.
If it puts out 14.4+ volts on the test rig its more than likely OK but might be intermittent.
Check the wires at the battery for corrosion and the crimps on the wires going to the BIRD controller.

If you have a spare alternator install that and see if the symptom changes.

I had an intermittent problem on the boat that had the same symptom and it turned out to be a intermittent open winding in the rotter following a lighting strike in Costa Rica.

If you want to talk it over give me a call at home or on the cell phone 951/244-4580, 951/415-0079
Bert

Steve Rankin:
Your charging voltage should be between 13.8V and 14.3V.  

The most common problem is a defective regulator.  They are generally fairly easy to replace, depending on the access to the alternator.  

Diodes are another potential problem.  I prefer rebuilding my own Leece-Neville alternators as they are easy to rebuild and with a few tricks, a DIY rebuild is much more reliable than store-bought.  

Tim Bentley Co-Admin:
Thank you all for the help.  Is the voltage regulator located on top of the alternator?  I.m not sure that the chassis batteries are charging on the generator or when I'm plugged in at night.  This morning they were at 13.3 when i checked.

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