FireMedic_2009
Well Known Member
I upload most of my flt date to Savvy Analysis so I have a history. My alternator was putting out 13.7 to 13.8V at the end of January. I noticed at the beginning of Feb the voltage dropped to about 12.9V - 13V. My battery was weak and was getting hard to turn over the engine. So I replaced the battery in mid to late Feb. I have a backup alternator (B&C) which bumps the voltage up to 14.1V.
I thought maybe the voltage regulator was going bad. My alternator is 12180N (3-wire 35A). So I replaced the voltage regulator and took it to get tested. The place where I took the alternator to get tested was a place that fixes and builds alternator (I didn't take it to the auto parts store). The guy told me the alternator was putting out 14.2V.
So I'm thinking maybe there is a grounding problem at the battery or engine. Both alternators are bolted onto the engine so it's definitely grounded. The engine must be grounded to the firewall, if not then the backup alternator would have a voltage problem also which it doesn't. The battery, Odyssey PC680, is still strong and easily turns over the engine
I guess the only question is, did the place that tested the alternator put a load on it??? I guess I'll call them tomorrow and ask. If they did put a load on it, does anyone know what the problem could be?
Thanks,
Daren
I thought maybe the voltage regulator was going bad. My alternator is 12180N (3-wire 35A). So I replaced the voltage regulator and took it to get tested. The place where I took the alternator to get tested was a place that fixes and builds alternator (I didn't take it to the auto parts store). The guy told me the alternator was putting out 14.2V.
So I'm thinking maybe there is a grounding problem at the battery or engine. Both alternators are bolted onto the engine so it's definitely grounded. The engine must be grounded to the firewall, if not then the backup alternator would have a voltage problem also which it doesn't. The battery, Odyssey PC680, is still strong and easily turns over the engine
I guess the only question is, did the place that tested the alternator put a load on it??? I guess I'll call them tomorrow and ask. If they did put a load on it, does anyone know what the problem could be?
Thanks,
Daren