|
05-14-2009, 07:58 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
1982 28' Airstream 280
Buena Park
, California
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 32
|
Alternator Overcharging?
I have a 1982 diesel Airstream motorhome.
The volt gauge was showing high numbers like 18 volts. So i hooked up a voltmeter directly to the batteries and it seems that the guage is off by 2 volts.
However, it is still high, but I dont know if that isnt normal. Here is what is going on.
It idles at 500 RPM.
Starter: (Off: 13; 500 RPM: 13.25; 2000 RPM: 15)
Coach: (Off: 13.63; 500 RPM: 14.2; 2000 RPM: 16)
From the alternator post on the isolator: (Off: 7.7; 500 RPM: 14.55; 2000 RPM: 17)
Is this a problem?
|
|
|
05-14-2009, 09:56 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
|
You can get numbers like that if your battery is low. How long it lasts depends on how low the battery is, how many amps your alternator puts out and the rpm of the engine. The voltage should drop off as the battery comes up to charge.
If your battery is charged and you maintain a high constant voltage reading (depending on rpm) the voltage regulator has probably gone bad. The battery itself could be bad as well. If it is the regulator and it keeps a high charge it will cook the battery over time. I'm not sure if you have an internal (in the alternator) or external (engine compartment) regulator. Hope some of this helps.
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 02:39 AM
|
#3
|
2 Rivet Member
1982 28' Airstream 280
Buena Park
, California
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 32
|
The batteries are fully charged. It is a 60 amp alternator with an external regulator.
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 04:58 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
1976 25' Caravanner
Vintage Kin Owner
Campton
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,113
|
Put a load on the batteries for 1/2 hour , interior light , to get rid of the serface charge , engine not running . A good battery will read 12.5 to 12.7v depending on temp. It looks like your voltage regulator is gone , easy fix. BTW 60 amp alternator seems small for a MH.
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 05:07 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY
, / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
|
check the ground on the regulator. run a jumper wire to it and see if the voltage drops, do the same with the alternator. check the water in the battery.
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 12:03 PM
|
#6
|
2 Rivet Member
1982 28' Airstream 280
Buena Park
, California
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 32
|
IS there such a thing as a "stronger" voltage regultor? I installed a new regulator yesterday because I wasnt getting any voltage from the old regulator. So those numbers I previously gave were the new numbers.
Sorry not 60 amp. 80 amp.
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 01:11 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
|
Not that I'm aware of... With voltage regulators it's eather bad or good. Good luck.
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
|
|
|
05-15-2009, 04:44 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1976 25' Caravanner
Vintage Kin Owner
Campton
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,113
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kennytheecat
IS there such a thing as a "stronger" voltage regultor? I installed a new regulator yesterday because I wasnt getting any voltage from the old regulator. So those numbers I previously gave were the new numbers.
Sorry not 60 amp. 80 amp.
|
It should still regulate to the correct voltage . Make sure there is a good ground to the regulator. Check to see if you crossed the wires. Good luck
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
Alternator help
|
tebone |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
0 |
12-04-2008 07:05 PM |
My Alternator is connected to... This?
|
drfw |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
8 |
07-15-2008 07:10 AM |
Batteries Overcharging
|
genearnold |
Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters |
1 |
09-05-2006 09:26 AM |
HELP with alternator
|
Dorothy Whittaker |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
1 |
07-11-2006 12:44 PM |
Proper Alternator??
|
GlenCoombe |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
16 |
09-22-2005 11:39 PM |
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|