Alternator Charging Problem

[Chuck Wheeler]

Dru,

That is too much drop across the isolator. If you can see the label make sure it can handle the current the alternator puts out it may have been replaced sometime.Isolators have diodes in them and they will deteriorate over time especially in high temperatures. I would also check the batteries, if they are near full discharge the will draw the reading down and of course check all connections. You should see about .6v drop across the isolator when the batteries are fully charged.

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of D
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 8:20 AM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternator Charging Problem

Thanks for all the information on my problem. I placed a volt meter
on the back of my alternator last eve and after moving the variable
regulator an 1/8th turn each direciton and cleaning up some wires to
make sure corrosion was not my problem, I'm getting readings around
14 volts. However, at the batts I getting what the dash volt guage
says, about 12.3-12.5 volts. At the isolator, I am getting the same
reading at the alt/battery charger input. At the battery terminals of
the isoltor, I have the drop to the 12.5 volts. I have suspected this
thing before, but with all the other inconsistencies at the
alternator, I've never been sure. It really is multiple problems. I
think I'm geeting close and I really appreciate the input.

Thanks to all!

Dru and Debora Penland
83 FC 35 RB
Steady Gittin' It!

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "D" ...> wrote:
>
> Hey All!
>
> I've been experiencing intermittened charging from my Leece Neville
> A0017704JA alternator and now not getting anything out of it. I had
> it rebuilt about 2 years ago (7000 miles) and this last summer my
> voltage meter would hit 14 volts for a short few minutes and then
> dips just under 12 volts for a long time (night time driving). With
> lights off my voltage hovers around 12 volts.
>
> This alternator has a pig tail on the regulator which I figure is
the
> trigger wire (14 guage)? It appears to be live (12 volts) with key
> off or on. So this has been on All The Time. Wondering if that wire
> being energized all the time could damage the regulator or
> alternator.
>
> I am wondering if this could be a malfunctioning battery isolator.
> I'm rambling with lots of ideas without being able to try them out
> from my office.
>
> Any thoughts? Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy query.
>
>
> Dru and Debora
> 83 FC 35 RB
> Steady Gittin' It!
>