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Alternators Rebuilt
03-31-2007, 12:58
Post: #1
Alternators Rebuilt
Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today. The
last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple, but
probably a one in a million possibility.

After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and the
case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the back
of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I could
not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought the
battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around the
terminal would have melted.

I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position only.
When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to remove
the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
connections and contacts.

I'll let you all know what I find.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
Quote this message in a reply
03-31-2007, 14:14
Post: #2
Alternators Rebuilt
Hi Ron: I seriously doubt that that was the problem.But??? If I
were you, and Iam not. I would disconnect or take a piece of card
board and cover up the alternator 1 & 2 reading gauge and use my
hand held voltage meter for more accurate picture as to what's
actually happening. You can go to the back of the coach and access
the bus panel where the #1 and #2 alternator connect to the
electrical grid and actually find out what's going on. Much more or
at least reliable information to be had there. Always good to see
your post, much regard's....Bob&Carol..93pt..Illinois, Warm-but going
to cool next week.......
>
> Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today. The
> last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
but
> probably a one in a million possibility.
>
> After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
the
> case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
back
> of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I could
> not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
the
> battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
the
> terminal would have melted.
>
> I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
only.
> When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
remove
> the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> connections and contacts.
>
> I'll let you all know what I find.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
Quote this message in a reply
03-31-2007, 14:19
Post: #3
Alternators Rebuilt
I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some day.

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40 - newbie
Georgetown, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
wrote:
>
> Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
The
> last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
but
> probably a one in a million possibility.
>
> After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
the
> case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
back
> of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
could
> not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
the
> battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
the
> terminal would have melted.
>
> I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
only.
> When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
remove
> the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> connections and contacts.
>
> I'll let you all know what I find.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
Quote this message in a reply
03-31-2007, 15:45
Post: #4
Alternators Rebuilt
I'll check it back there as well.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
>
> Hi Ron: I seriously doubt that that was the problem.But??? If I
> were you, and Iam not. I would disconnect or take a piece of card
> board and cover up the alternator 1 & 2 reading gauge and use my
> hand held voltage meter for more accurate picture as to what's
> actually happening. You can go to the back of the coach and access
> the bus panel where the #1 and #2 alternator connect to the
> electrical grid and actually find out what's going on. Much more or
> at least reliable information to be had there. Always good to see
> your post, much regard's....Bob&Carol..93pt..Illinois, Warm-but going
> to cool next week.......
> >
> > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today. The
> > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> but
> > probably a one in a million possibility.
> >
> > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> the
> > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> back
> > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I could
> > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
> the
> > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> the
> > terminal would have melted.
> >
> > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> only.
> > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> remove
> > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > connections and contacts.
> >
> > I'll let you all know what I find.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
03-31-2007, 15:47
Post: #5
Alternators Rebuilt
I have the wiring diagram showing these 6 relays. Sure seems
over-engineered to me.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...> wrote:
>
> I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
> but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
> anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some day.
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40 - newbie
> Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
> wrote:
> >
> > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
> The
> > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> but
> > probably a one in a million possibility.
> >
> > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> the
> > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> back
> > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
> could
> > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
> the
> > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> the
> > terminal would have melted.
> >
> > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> only.
> > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> remove
> > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > connections and contacts.
> >
> > I'll let you all know what I find.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
04-01-2007, 01:31
Post: #6
Alternators Rebuilt
Mine does the same thing. It is one of two squawk items I have and has been on
the list for three years. I have chased the ghost before but without a
schematic. I finally unplugged my fault light. Everthing has been fine but I
need to check the alternators with a multi-meter periodically.

A while back someone, I think Don Bradner, had a similar problem with
alternators and the crazy switch readings. As I recall, someone else, perhaps
the prior owner of his coach stated that the switch did not work properly
because the alternators were not perfectly matched up or something like that,
and BB installed some kind of delay wiring. I do not recall seeing a post as to
the final results. Perhaps he can let us know.

Could I get a copy of your schematic?

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL


----- Original Message -----
From: ronmarabito2002
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:47 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt



I have the wiring diagram showing these 6 relays. Sure seems
over-engineered to me.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...> wrote:
>
> I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
> but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
> anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some day.
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40 - newbie
> Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
> wrote:
> >
> > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
> The
> > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> but
> > probably a one in a million possibility.
> >
> > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> the
> > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> back
> > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
> could
> > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
> the
> > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> the
> > terminal would have melted.
> >
> > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> only.
> > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> remove
> > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > connections and contacts.
> >
> > I'll let you all know what I find.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Quote this message in a reply
04-01-2007, 02:43
Post: #7
Alternators Rebuilt
Ron:
Could you send me a copy of the diagram as well please. Just curious
thanks

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada




----- Original Message ----
From: Leroy Eckert
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, April 1, 2007 6:31:51 AM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt

Mine does the same thing. It is one of two squawk items I have and has been on
the list for three years. I have chased the ghost before but without a
schematic. I finally unplugged my fault light. Everthing has been fine but I
need to check the alternators with a multi-meter periodically.

A while back someone, I think Don Bradner, had a similar problem with
alternators and the crazy switch readings. As I recall, someone else, perhaps
the prior owner of his coach stated that the switch did not work properly
because the alternators were not perfectly matched up or something like that,
and BB installed some kind of delay wiring. I do not recall seeing a post as to
the final results. Perhaps he can let us know.

Could I get a copy of your schematic?

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL

----- Original Message -----
From: ronmarabito2002
To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:47 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt

I have the wiring diagram showing these 6 relays. Sure seems
over-engineered to me.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...> wrote:
>
> I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
> but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
> anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some day.
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40 - newbie
> Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "ronmarabito2002"
> wrote:
> >
> > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
> The
> > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> but
> > probably a one in a million possibility.
> >
> > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> the
> > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> back
> > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
> could
> > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
> the
> > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> the
> > terminal would have melted.
> >
> > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> only.
> > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> remove
> > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > connections and contacts.
> >
> > I'll let you all know what I find.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> >
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Quote this message in a reply
04-01-2007, 04:24
Post: #8
Alternators Rebuilt
The delay is on the fault light. The switch worked, but one alternator had no
output, and that was apparently real. After replacing both alternators with a
pair that are identical models I have output in all three switch positions, and
the center position is roughly double what each is showing separately.

I would not expect to get the fault light, but I haven't driven it long enough
since the alternators were installed to tell. The delay is roughly 30 minutes.

I have uploaded my schematic here:
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/bluebird...ematic.jpg

On 4/1/2007 at 8:31 AM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>Mine does the same thing. It is one of two squawk items I have and has
>been on the list for three years. I have chased the ghost before but
>without a schematic. I finally unplugged my fault light. Everthing has
>been fine but I need to check the alternators with a multi-meter
>periodically.
>
>A while back someone, I think Don Bradner, had a similar problem with
>alternators and the crazy switch readings. As I recall, someone else,
>perhaps the prior owner of his coach stated that the switch did not work
>properly because the alternators were not perfectly matched up or
>something like that, and BB installed some kind of delay wiring. I do
>not recall seeing a post as to the final results. Perhaps he can let us
>know.
>
>Could I get a copy of your schematic?

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA
Quote this message in a reply
04-01-2007, 04:59
Post: #9
Alternators Rebuilt
There is tons of room in the Files section now to add the diagrams
there so that everyone can access them......


Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wilhelmus Schreurs
wrote:
>
> Ron:
> Could you send me a copy of the diagram as well please. Just curious
> thanks
>
> Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
> Terrace, B.C. Canada
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Leroy Eckert
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, April 1, 2007 6:31:51 AM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt
>
> Mine does the same thing. It is one of two squawk items I have and
has been on the list for three years. I have chased the ghost before
but without a schematic. I finally unplugged my fault light. Everthing
has been fine but I need to check the alternators with a multi-meter
periodically.
>
> A while back someone, I think Don Bradner, had a similar problem
with alternators and the crazy switch readings. As I recall, someone
else, perhaps the prior owner of his coach stated that the switch did
not work properly because the alternators were not perfectly matched
up or something like that, and BB installed some kind of delay wiring.
I do not recall seeing a post as to the final results. Perhaps he can
let us know.
>
> Could I get a copy of your schematic?
>
> Leroy Eckert
> 1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
> Niceville, FL
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: ronmarabito2002
> To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:47 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt
>
> I have the wiring diagram showing these 6 relays. Sure seems
> over-engineered to me.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "mbrund" <mbrund@> wrote:
> >
> > I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
> > but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
> > anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some day.
> >
> > Michael Brundridge
> > 1992 WB40 - newbie
> > Georgetown, TX
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "ronmarabito2002"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
> > The
> > > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> > but
> > > probably a one in a million possibility.
> > >
> > > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> > the
> > > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> > back
> > > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
> > could
> > > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I thought
> > the
> > > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> > the
> > > terminal would have melted.
> > >
> > > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> > only.
> > > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> > remove
> > > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > > connections and contacts.
> > >
> > > I'll let you all know what I find.
> > >
> > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Quote this message in a reply
04-01-2007, 06:26
Post: #10
Alternators Rebuilt
Well: I checked out the (6) relays and all of them function
correctly, so the problem has to be before the relays, like a circuit
breaker or could be at the switch. I'll keep looking.

I can send you the schematic later today, when I have a minute to
scan it.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert"
wrote:
>
> Mine does the same thing. It is one of two squawk items I have and
has been on the list for three years. I have chased the ghost before
but without a schematic. I finally unplugged my fault light.
Everthing has been fine but I need to check the alternators with a
multi-meter periodically.
>
> A while back someone, I think Don Bradner, had a similar problem
with alternators and the crazy switch readings. As I recall, someone
else, perhaps the prior owner of his coach stated that the switch did
not work properly because the alternators were not perfectly matched
up or something like that, and BB installed some kind of delay
wiring. I do not recall seeing a post as to the final results.
Perhaps he can let us know.
>
> Could I get a copy of your schematic?
>
> Leroy Eckert
> 1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
> Niceville, FL
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: ronmarabito2002
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 10:47 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Alternators Rebuilt
>
>
>
> I have the wiring diagram showing these 6 relays. Sure seems
> over-engineered to me.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@> wrote:
> >
> > I have the same issue, they would fine when in the center position,
> > but when I try 1 or 2 I get no reading. I do not think there is
> > anything wrong, but it is on my list of things to look into some
day.
> >
> > Michael Brundridge
> > 1992 WB40 - newbie
> > Georgetown, TX
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just had my alternators rebuilt and I installed them today.
> > The
> > > last unit went out after 1400 miles and we suspected all kinds of
> > > things could have caused it, but it turned out to be very simple,
> > but
> > > probably a one in a million possibility.
> > >
> > > After I removed the unit, I found a short between a diode and
> > the
> > > case, which was caused by some unknown object flying up onto the
> > back
> > > of the alternator and selding them together. Unfortunately, I
> > could
> > > not determine what it was, since it was melted. At first I
thought
> > the
> > > battery cable might have touched the case, but it did not. Had it
> > > done so, it would have been welded in place and insulation around
> > the
> > > terminal would have melted.
> > >
> > > I get amp readings with the switch in the neutral position
> > only.
> > > When I switch to 1 or 2, I don't get an amp reading. I plan to
> > remove
> > > the six relays tomorrow that control the ammeter readings and the
> > > fault light. I might also pull the switch and see if I have good
> > > connections and contacts.
> > >
> > > I'll let you all know what I find.
> > >
> > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
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