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Old 05-14-2009, 07:58 PM   #1
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1982 28' Airstream 280
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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?
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Old 05-14-2009, 09:56 PM   #2
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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.
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Old 05-15-2009, 02:39 AM   #3
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The batteries are fully charged. It is a 60 amp alternator with an external regulator.
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Old 05-15-2009, 04:58 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 05-15-2009, 05:07 AM   #5
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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.
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Old 05-15-2009, 12:03 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 05-15-2009, 01:11 PM   #7
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Not that I'm aware of... With voltage regulators it's eather bad or good. Good luck.
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Old 05-15-2009, 04:44 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kennytheecat View Post
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
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