Re: Altenator Problem?
Howdy,
Electrical systems with AMMETERS in the instrument panel, usually have heavy wires to carry the entire electrical load going from the generator/alternator to the instrument panel and back.
ALL the connections (including ground connections) are potential sources of trouble since they must carry the full load of the system.....(up to 60 AMPS or more.....)
Any corroded or loose connection in the main supply A+ line or any main ground WILL cause all sorts of strange problems.
Just about all current indicating systems (non-shunt type, ammeters) require heavy wires (capable of handling the entire system current) to and from the actual meter.
In a marine environment where you have corrosion potential, it's always better to minimize the high current connections and keep wires carrying high currents as short as possible to minimize voltage drop.
This is why most all low voltage (high current) DC systems (automotive and marine) use volt meters to determine system status.
Th volt meter will indicate the battery status when the engine is not running, and the alternator status when it is running.
The best way to fix your problem would of course be to rewire the whole mess and eliminate the ammeter.
Unless you can do it yourself. That will not be practical.
You can disconnect, clean, and in some cases replace wire connections though.
In some cases you may have to replace wires that have become severely corroded and the end-connections have become loose.(because even replaced crimp connectors on corroded wires still don't make good connection to the wire!)
ANY connection that has a current flowing through it that is loose and/or corroded, will have a voltage drop associated with it.
If that connection is a high-current connection (like a starter supply) it will get hot when you try to pass high currents though it. (like cranking the engine.....up to 200 amps or more.....)
A DC system with an AMMETER, will have long wires to and from the ammeter that you'll need to check.
You also need to check ALL system grounds. from the battery, to the block and up under the "dash".
EVERY ground connection is a potential source of trouble. Just tightening the screw on the crimp-on wire connector won't cut it. you may have to replace many crimp-on connectors.
Regards,
Rick
. I will let you guys know how it comes out.
