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Topic: Alternator non functional (Read 1213 times) previous topic - next topic

Alternator non functional

The alternator on our 93 U280 is non functional. I thought that it was a corroded or loose connection as it was intermittent. Finally got around to trouble shooting. Found a "loose" connection.....the positive post is "floating" and can be pulled out of the unit. Looks like I need a rebuild or a new alternator. I tried removing the thing but I am not able to with the tools I have available. Does anyone know a good shop around the Quartzsite-Lake Havasu-Phoenix-Tuscon area? Would like someone familiar with these units if at all possible.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #1 –
Likely a Hehr Powerline. Any competent shop can rebuild it. Make sure you tell them that you want an externally adjustable regulator with fine control, set to 14.3V max.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #2 –
Had the same problem.  You'll most likely need a new rectifier block assembly, I replaced mine for the same reason, parts cost around $50.  When the output wire is bolted back on it needs to be tight, tight, tight.  The output stud is nothing more than a carriage bolt running through a hole in the rectifier block.  If it's the slightest bit loose it'll arc and erode the rectifier block.

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #3 –
Chuck, did you have to remove the alternator to remove the rectifier block? And what was your source for the block?

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
Chuck, did you have to remove the alternator to remove the rectifier block? And what was your source for the block?

Roland

Yep, had to tear it down to parade rest.  After looking at the quality of construction, made the determination to retrofit a Delco next time (and am pretty dang sure there will be a next time, sooner rather than later.)  The parts came from Finditparts.com, parts breakdown are available on the Prestolite website. 

I'd strongly consider installing a Delco. Bolt in retrofit and no issues with DUVAC.  Here's some info, I have not purchased from these folks but they do have an informative website and good info. 

Delco and Leece Neville High Output Alternators

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #5 –
Since I have more money than sense (and not enough of either :P ) I went to FOT in NAC to replace the alternator. I chose to put in a new unit rather than trying to repair the old one. I expect the replacement, which is the current version of the original, will work properly and probably last longer than I will own the coach. To the best of my knowledge, we replaced the original alternator that had provided about 15 years and 80K miles of service.

It would be reasonably easy for a person with at least moderate mechanical skills to replace the alternator with the current version of the OEM unit.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #6 –
Seems like it's pretty common for the Leece Neville alternators to bite the dust with less than 100K miles on them.  That's unacceptable performance in my book though having no experience with the Delcos I can't say they would be any better.  There are recent improvements in alternators available from both manufacturers, primarily aimed at high output alternators that can survive high underhood temps of modern vehicles, things like 12 diodes rather than six, dual cooling fans, brushless designs, better and larger bearings.  I'll be taking a look at alternatives when the current unit goes t.u.

Another factor to consider in alternator shopping is that there are many knockoffs being sold as Leece and Delco.  Caveat emptor. 

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #7 –
I have read a lot about the alternators on our coaches on this forum. With all that I read I prayed to God that I would not have a problem with mine. Have never had an issue with alternators in all the vehicle I have ever owned. Our GMC we had over 250K miles with no alternator issue. Guess I must have pis... God off. :'(

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #8 –
Leece Neville also has a brushless alternator in J mount and pad mount,165 amps and 180 amp.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #9 –
Looks like replacing the thing may be the way to go. Before I do that however I need to rewire the thing so that it does not charge the coach batteries as I may go for AGM's when I replace wet cells that I have for the coach. I discovered yesterday that the coach batteries that were installed by Tennessee RV Sales and Service in Knoxville are actually starting batteries not deep cycle 8Ds. >:(  On my "to do list" to replace with deep cycle batteries. Dry camping is a witch with batteries that don't provide the power you need.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #10 –
Dave your link brought me to a graph not much info there. Just an amp output graph versus rpm.

Roalnd
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Dave M –
The subject of alternators, battery charging devices as usual brings out all the opinions, BS, Horse Hockey etc. If you would like to learn a little more check the attached link to Prestolite/Lesse Neville for maybe a broader choice.  But 99% of all issues are due to application and lack of understanding of how they work, and what it takes to have a happy alternator.
FWIW
Dave M
http://www.prestolite.com/literature/alts/FL1165_4000_Series_Alternator_Flyer.pdf

Happy alternator? I don't expect to have to stroke a coke machine to vend a soda, make it happy, just expect it to do what it's supposed to do when I feed it a sawbuck.  Same for the alternator.  Rated at 160A, I doubt they've ever been called upon to deliver anywhere close to rated load.  It's not caked with dirt, misaligned, or wired incorrectly.  Why did L.N./Prestolite introduce upgrades if they weren't needed? Their tech service folks recommend the newer generation alternator for coach use for some reason  (hopefully other than the fact that it is much more expensive.)

One really positive aspect of Prestolite is the fact that they have a great forum, are responsive to questions posted on it, have tons of technical literature available online, and have a tech service department that will answer your questions in a straightforward fashion.  I think they are a good company who is refining their product line for better service and durability, moving their designs from mid 1960's style to this century.  Delco has done the same. 

The simplest thing to do is exactly what J.D. Stevens did, go to Foretravel and get the genuine OEM part.  It works, as he said, probably for as long as anyone will own an individual coach. 

Chuck


"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #12 –
Try this link.  Note their forum is on the page also. 

Prestolite - Leece Neville


Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #13 –
Chuck, I went the Delco route and it didn't work out.  The alternator needs to be externally excited.  They bridged the + from battery to alternator over to the excite post.  That worked but created a loop such that it was always on boost.  The duvac set up doesn't let this happen.  I had to trade in the Delco for a duvac but I did discover that there is some surgery you can do to the Delco that will accomplish the same thing.  Do not take your MH with isolator to a truck shop for alternator work.  They don't have a clue.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #14 –
Dwayne,

Yes, lots of people have found out the hard way that most truck shops, and many other repair places don't have a clue on dealing with Duvac.  As far as the Delco replacement goes, not all of them will work but the Delco 28si is set up to work with Duvac.  That said, there are several ways to connect this alternator and the installer will need to follow an installation diagram to connect it and have it work properly. 

Most Leece Neville/Prestolite alternators can also be converted to Duvac operation.  The Prestolite site has the instructions on how to accomplish this.  I posted a step by step account of how to do it earlier on this site.  Most likely when the non functional original alternator is pulled off the coach you will see stickers that state it has been converted to Duvac by the manufacturer.

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Alternator non functional

Reply #16 –
Thanks for all the replies. I have not yet addressed the issue. Tops on my TODO list for next week.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers