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Topic: Alternator or Battery (Read 505 times) previous topic - next topic

Alternator or Battery

I have not been on here for a while because my RV has been running and operating great. I have a 1989 Granvilla with a Leece Neville 2913LCRM alternator. It is putting out 14v and 5.1 to 5.5 amps with or without headlights and heater fan on, but the RV is good for about three starts and then it will not start. The batteries are dead. What should the proper amperage output be with nothing pulling? I'm thinking higher than 5.5 amps. What is bad; the alternator, the battery(s), the isolator, or something else? What else should I check too? Thanks.
Curtis
1989 GV

Re: Alternator or Battery

Reply #1 –
Curtis:

Measuring the alternator amperage under different conditions and measuring amps to house and chassis batteries will tell you a lot. How are you measuring the amps you are seeing?
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Alternator or Battery

Reply #2 –
The amp output of your alternator is immaterial. With the engine running you should measure in excess of 13V at the battery. If you don't, the alternator or isolator  needs to be looked at, if you do, it's the battery.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Alternator or Battery

Reply #3 –
I suspected one of the batteries was bad. So, without a load it read 11V disconnected. As soon as I put a load on it the battery went to 3V. That battery was bad. The coach starts great now, but my gauge on the dash is not registering anything. Now I suspect the gauge is fried. Will check later.  I am measuring the amperage off the wire out of the alternator with an Fluke  "clamp on." Thanks for the help. You all are priceless with your information.
Curtis
1989 GV

Re: Alternator or Battery

Reply #4 –
11 volts is the reading you get from a dead battery. If you fully charged the battery, disconnected it, let it sit overnight disconnected, and then still measured it at 11 volts the next day you need a new battery. If your coach needs an 8D battery be sure to check Parts Plus because they have the best prices by far and the three I've bought over the past couple of years haven't given me any trouble. Just buy an ordinary cranking 8D, not a "deep cycle" battery because all size 8D batteries are deep cycle no matter what the label says. I just bought an 8D at Parts Plus for $143 earlier this year, which is about a dollar a pound! :)
Scott Cook
1991 U300 36' 6V92TA
Old Town Penobscot 16
1984 Honda VF1100C (V65 Magna)

Re: Alternator or Battery

Reply #5 –
Reminder: 
The second Saturday of the month from 7-9Am @ NAPA..  30% off everything in the store.
Check your local NAPA store to see if they are participating.  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..