CableGuy1978
Seaman
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 66
Hello folks,
I recently had an issue with my engine running rough at low RPM, especially when in gear under a load. I found the problem to be a bad wire from the coil to the distributor. It was misfiring, and would eventually stall out. I put a new set of wires for the plugs and the coil on, and it runs perfectly smooth again. However, I seem to have another issue, where my alternator no longer puts out a charge. I removed it and will be taking it to a local starter/alternator shop for them to bench test it.
The last few times I was out, I had to boost it to get the engine running. Generally I watch my ammeter on the dash, and it usually reads a little above 0. But in the past I have flooded the engine once and it took a lot more cranking to get it running, which the ammeter read higher - as it was obvious the alternator was charging the battery back up. As of late though, the ammeter reads pretty much 0, except sometimes I notice it jump way up for a short bit then back to 0 again - assuming it was charging again, but intermittently. I used an actual multi-meter to check the voltage with the engine running, and not finding the usual 14V or so.
My question is: Is there any relationship between a possible failing alternator and a bad coil wire, or is it more likely a coincidence that one thing happened after the other? The damaged portion of the coil wire was at the coil itself. It looked like the connection may not have been very tight and it heated up. Part of the end piece of the wire plug had broken off and was in the coil. I removed all that stuff out before replacing the wire.
Just curious to what some of you more experienced folks think about this situation. It's an old motor and boat, but I try to baby it as much as possible, and it very seldom lets me down. Anyway, any feedback and ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I recently had an issue with my engine running rough at low RPM, especially when in gear under a load. I found the problem to be a bad wire from the coil to the distributor. It was misfiring, and would eventually stall out. I put a new set of wires for the plugs and the coil on, and it runs perfectly smooth again. However, I seem to have another issue, where my alternator no longer puts out a charge. I removed it and will be taking it to a local starter/alternator shop for them to bench test it.
The last few times I was out, I had to boost it to get the engine running. Generally I watch my ammeter on the dash, and it usually reads a little above 0. But in the past I have flooded the engine once and it took a lot more cranking to get it running, which the ammeter read higher - as it was obvious the alternator was charging the battery back up. As of late though, the ammeter reads pretty much 0, except sometimes I notice it jump way up for a short bit then back to 0 again - assuming it was charging again, but intermittently. I used an actual multi-meter to check the voltage with the engine running, and not finding the usual 14V or so.
My question is: Is there any relationship between a possible failing alternator and a bad coil wire, or is it more likely a coincidence that one thing happened after the other? The damaged portion of the coil wire was at the coil itself. It looked like the connection may not have been very tight and it heated up. Part of the end piece of the wire plug had broken off and was in the coil. I removed all that stuff out before replacing the wire.
Just curious to what some of you more experienced folks think about this situation. It's an old motor and boat, but I try to baby it as much as possible, and it very seldom lets me down. Anyway, any feedback and ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
