* above 13.2 V then the alternator is suspect.* This would only be true with a sophisticated 3-stage regulator that would not use bulk mode for a fixed time, but rather sense the battery was full and go right to float. A fixed set-point regulator should go right to the set-point with a full battery and a timer-controlled 3 stage regulator would still be in bulk/absorption mode for a given time. Most fixed regulators would be someplace between 13.8 and 14.7 volts.
Joe Della Barba Coquina From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael Brown via CnC-List Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 5:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Stus-List Alternator? Belt? Suggestions? Is the volt meter accurate? Wiring OK? If the alternator belt is vibrating vertically more than +/- 1/4" on a 10" span while the engine is running it is likely the belt is too loose. If after running the motor for 3 - 5 minutes if the belt is quickly uncomfortable to touch it is slipping, which may be it is loose or has become glazed. If the belt is not the problem, charge up the battery(s), disconnect the charger and let them rest maybe 30 minutes. Measure the voltage as close to the battery terminals as is convenient with no load from the boat. Add a small load, 1 - 2 amps, like a bulb style nav lights for an hour. Check the voltage again. Start the motor, wait about 1 minute and check the voltage. A common open circuit voltage for a charged flooded lead acid battery is 12.6 V. After 1 hour of 1 - 2 amp load the voltage should still be above 12.4 V. If after 1 minute of running the motor the voltage needs to be at least 13.2 volts, which is considered to be a final float voltage. This is assuming a regular flooded lead acid deep cycle battery. If the after being connected to the dock side charger the battery is not coming up to 12.6 V the charger may be defective or the battery is not fully charging. A battery may fail in a mode where after a rest from charging the voltage is under 12 volts, and it loads the charging system without going over 13 V. If the battery charges to 12.6 ( all these voltages are approximate, could be +/- 0.1 volt ), and after a 1 - 2 amp/hr discharge is still at 12.5 volts but the alternator is not charging above 13.2 V then the alternator is suspect. Hard to guess what may be wrong with it. Michael Brown Windburn C&C 30-1 Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:12:59 -0400 From: Edd Schillay <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> To: "CNC boat owners, cnc-list" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Stus-List Alternator? Belt? Suggestions? Message-ID: <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" Listers, Lately, when the engine running, I?m seeing the voltage reach 13.2 tops when it used to be much higher (13.7 to 14.0). Is this an alternator issue or is it the belt tightness? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. All the best, Edd Edd M. Schillay Starship Enterprise C&C 37+ | Sail No: NCC-1701-B City Island, NY Starship Enterprise's Captain's Log
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