Charging issues

[89retta]

I have an 2004 4.3 GXI-E. Last year I noticed my amp gauge was showing 12 volts and would go up to 13.5 . It would do this through out the day. Just installed a new alternator today and gauge is showing just above 12 volts while running. Should it not be up around 13-14 volts while running ?

 

[89retta]

Found this. But confused after reading it. Am I supposed to leave the orange wire disconnected ? http://www.marinemechanic.com/volvo/volvo/2010/32-1-13_A[1].pdf

 

[alldodge]

Your link is for installing an isolator, this is a different issue.

The 12V is read by the helm voltmeter on the purple wire. Your meter may be off, but get a hand held meter and measure on the Orange wire on the ALT or the starter post.

 

[89retta]

Thanks for the reply. So I just measure from the Orange wire to a ground with my volt meter ? Also I do have dual batteries going through a Perko switch but no isolator. Forgot to add the reading on the gauge fluctuates between 12 to 13.5 volts

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Normally, ya should be seein' 13.6 volts when the motor is runnin', 'n has been bumped up over idle, since it was started,.....

 

[alldodge]

measure from the Orange wire to a ground with my volt meter ?

Yes

 

[89retta]

Ayuh,..... Normally, ya should be seein' 13.6 volts when the motor is runnin', 'n has been bumped up over idle, since it was started,.....

Only shows a little over 12 when running. Sometimes it goes up

 

[alldodge]

After it starts it needs to be rev just slightly to about 1500 and then check. If it still only shows 12V you have an ALT problem. It could be the ALT or wires connected to it

 

[89retta]

Took it out on the water today. And it was showing 13 volts on the gauge. I had just put a new alternator on it and was running on the hose . When I first posted so I think its all good

 

[alldodge]

Maybe its the gauge, the ALT should output closer to 14V

 

[89retta]

I didn't have my tester with me. As I was going to check the output of the alternator . Will do that tomorrow.

 

[89retta]

Checked the output of the alternator off the orange wire. Reading was 14.5-14.7 at idle. So I take it my gauge is just reading wrong. Thanks for the help