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Alternatorquestion

May 11, 2019, 10:14:57 am

I have the Leece Neville heavy duty alternator that came with the RV.  When I first start the engine the voltage gauge will bounce between 12 volts and 14 volts and the dash lights will dim along with it for about 30 seconds to a minute then it stays steady at 14 volts.  Is this behavior normal for these alternators (does it need a bit of time to warm up the diodes and/or establish a magnetic field) or am I looking at a new alternator in my future?  Thanks.

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Re: Alternatorquestion

Reply #1 – May 11, 2019, 10:31:52 am

Quite likely, the INTAKE MANIFOLD HEATER is cycling.  It takes a LOT of amps.

Does this occur only on cold startup or on warm startup as well?

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Re: Alternatorquestion

Reply #2 – May 11, 2019, 11:26:47 am

Sounds to me like all is normal. As Brett said intake heater cycling on and off.

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Re: Alternatorquestion

Reply #3 – May 11, 2019, 07:09:09 pm

It only does it when engine is cold.  Once warmed up it stays 14v.  So the drop in voltage is just the heater kicking in.  Good to know.  Thanks for responses.

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Re: Alternatorquestion

Reply #4 – May 11, 2019, 07:21:00 pm

14 is too much for almost any batteries at 77 degrees. At 30 degrees about right.  Almost one volt over at 100 degrees,

Not a problem except for long stretches on the road

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