Low volts and amps; was alternator

[Tom Warner]

FC models are saddled with two engineering design problems. The first is
that to much current is running thru the dash and the second is the very
long cables between the chargers, the alternator and the batteries. The
more current you can divert from the dash, such as using Bosch relays for
the lights, relays to get the A/C current(driver and passenger sides) out
of the dash, etc. Change the battery cables to 4/0 although not the best
fix nor the optimal condition, it does seem easier then to change the
chargers to the passenger front bin. One more problem is that the FC models
were designed to use the motorola alternator and an external regulator that
senses the voltage directly across the batteries. Most people have changed
that out to the Leece_Neville with the internal regulators which cause a
problem.

Tom
1982 FC35
Vernon Center,NY

At 12:52 AM 5/24/2005 +0000, you wrote:
>Hey Sid, I just went through the alternator thing last week on our 86FC
>and all I can say is WOW... It turns out that my dash guages were off
>by 1 volt and we checked everything at the batteries..and the back of
>the alternator..and still had a substantial amperage draw..FINALLY
>figured out that the REDILINE WAS DRAWING APPX 90 AMPS when
>running..also make sure to check when batteries are charged otherwise
>the alternator is trying to charge back the batteries pushing alot of
>amperage. I replaced the alternator with a BOSCH unit 160amp special
>purpose designed to charge at lower rpms (new design used on tranist
>buses) I guess we will see..got a 1 yr warranty..
>Scott
>86FC35
>Murrells Inlet Sc
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Sidney Breese"
><ssbreese@a...> wrote:
> > Some of you may remember my alternator belts broke. I just put the
> > belts on my alternator and took Max for a spin. It registered about
> > 100 amps and 11.5 volts. The amp meter went to 0 and the voltage 10.
> > I turned on the generator and got close to normal for a couple of
> > miles and then it did the same thing. I checked the alternator and it
> > showed 11.5 volts. That may have been feedback from the batteries.
> > I'm ready to buy a new alternator, but with the generator not
> > supplying power to the chargers, think it might be something else.
> > When I hooked up to shore power I got over 110 amps and 12.5 volts at
> > the dash. Any suggestions? I need to get this solved as we are
> > heading the California in a week!
> >
> > Sid Breese
> > 85PT40
> > St. Joseph, MO