Unruly alternator

[flyboyjack]

Well, the unusual keeps happening to me and this stinkin' Albin. A few months back the alternator would cycle from charge to discharge as I motored out through the canals. Once I added any power, the alternator stayed on line. Then it got to where I had to "jazz" the RPM's to about 1200, then 1500, then it wouldn't come on line at all. I had it rebuilt. Worked once and then I had to "jazz" it once again, then it stopped working again. Pulled the alternator again and rebuilt it again. Now it won't come on line at all,...NO MATTER WHAT.Bench tested the alternator twice. It always produces 100 AMPS on the bench. Back on the engine,.... NUTTIN"!! I'm getting 12 vdc to the pigtail connectors. Tried running a temporary "exciter wire from the ignition to the alternator,... again NUTTIN! Had an electrician and a diesel mech working on it today for a couple hours. (Ouch!! $200/hr for both). Thought about just buying a new alternator, but the old one bench tests perfectly. (Cleaned the alternator/charging circuit breaker,.. you name it we've done it, or so I think). Anybody have ANY idea what I'm up against? Grounds are fine/new grounding bus bar installed. HELP!!!!!!!!

flyboyjack

[RobS]

How and where are you measuring voltage?

See my article link below. I would install these at each battery before doing anything further, especially before thinning your wallet any more than you already have. Even if it’s a temporary rough (but safe) install initially for troubleshooting purposes. And when you do eventually get this all sorted out the DVMs will be a great addition to your instrumentation.

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/installi ... -dvm-boat/

https://www.sbmar.com/product/smx-digit ... e-monitor/