Low volts and amps; was alternator

[George Lowry]

I had some similar indications when we first got the coach. Traced it
to bad cells in the Interstate batteries, which were new. Replaced
with Deka AGM's and it has worked perfectly ever since. Might want to
run a specific gravity check of your batteries to make certain you
don't have a bad cell.

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

Jeff Miller wrote:

> Not a lot of information to go on, could take some testing to find if
> the gauges are correct, if there is a short, etc.
>
> If it is charging when plugged into shore power, it should charge the
> same when on generator power (same chargers are used).
>
> It should settle down after a while to a low charge rate (current), and
> around 13v. If the current and voltage stay 110a/11.5v for an extended
> period, it sounds like you have a substantial short somewhere, there
> should be smoke.
>
> Once the current/voltage settle down on shore power, try starting the
> engine and run up to ~1200rpm, check the gauges again. turn off shore
> power and see if the voltage/current stays as it should.
>
> I don't have an '84-1/2 up PT chassis wiring diagram with me, but if it
> is the same as the '84-'86 FC then don't expect the dash voltmeter to
> be even close with the key on. Check voltages at the batteries with a
> voltmeter.
>
>
> - Jeff Miller
> http://www.wanderlodge.net
> http://www.millercoachworks.com
>
>
>
> --- 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
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