Alternator advice

[emorth]

14.6 out of alt is good. Since it drops to 13.4 at lower RPM would indicate that the alternator is working hard. Since the batt voltage is staying at 12, my quests would be bad battery or bad wiring. To eliminate the wiring, take a voltage reading between the alt + output and the battery + terminal, then, take a voltage reading between the alternator housing and the battery - post. This will show any voltage drop between the alternator and battery for both the + and - current paths. Try swapping the battery with a known good one and see what happens before you invest in a new battery.

My guess at this point, bad battery. Maybe it has an internal short that is drawing lots of current which is causing the voltage drop between the alternator and battery and because of the internal short it is not storing any energy. Again, just a guess at this point.

 

[emorth]

How did you get it to started this time? Jump start or did you charge the battery and it started using the battery?

 

[glovas807]

What is battery voltage with engine off?

11.6

 

[glovas807]

How did you get it to started this time? Jump start or did you charge the battery and it started using the battery?

Jump start

 

[glovas807]

14.6 out of alt is good. Since it drops to 13.4 at lower RPM would indicate that the alternator is working hard. Since the batt voltage is staying at 12, my quests would be bad battery or bad wiring. To eliminate the wiring, take a voltage reading between the alt + output and the battery + terminal, then, take a voltage reading between the alternator housing and the battery - post. This will show any voltage drop between the alternator and battery for both the + and - current paths. Try swapping the battery with a known good one and see what happens before you invest in a new battery.

My guess at this point, bad battery. Maybe it has an internal short that is drawing lots of current which is causing the voltage drop between the alternator and battery and because of the internal short it is not storing any energy. Again, just a guess at this point.

The other weird aspect of this situation is that once I turn off the engine not only will it not turnover nothing electrical will work at all (lights, radio, cb). It goes completely dead and i would normally expect that there would be enough power to turn the radio or lights on. I have the battery at advance auto getting tested and charged. Will hold off on ordering an alternator until I see how this works out and run the other tests.

 

[emorth]

Ok. That tells me everything is powered by the alternator and the battery is not Connected. But it does start when you jump start it - Jumper cables on the clamps. Check to make sure there is a good connection between the clamps and the battery posts. Send some photos.

 

[glovas807]

Ok. That tells me everything is powered by the alternator and the battery is not Connected. But it does start when you jump start it - Jumper cables on the clamps. Check to make sure there is a good connection between the clamps and the battery posts. Send some photos.

Thank you very much for the technical assistance.

Ok. That tells me everything is powered by the alternator and the battery is not Connected. But it does start when you jump start it - Jumper cables on the clamps. Check to make sure there is a good connection between the clamps and the battery posts. Send some photos.

Mystery solved! It looks like the clamps loosened up a bit after my last trip on the trails and were making good contact with the posts. Tightened everything up and things seem to be back to normal. Thank you all for the technical assistance. Drinks on me at CMCC.

 

[emorth]

Enjoyed the challenge. Glad it was an easy fix.

 

[Tikicruiser]

Yes but every superhero has their kryptonite. A small patch of ice in the electrical schematic can neutralize Dr Electric’s power grid faster than the speed of light!

 

[StaleAle]

I suspected one or more of you guys had a screw loose, just couldnt tell who that was until now.

Professor Morthimer, that diagnostic was illuminating.

 

[emorth]

Yes but every superhero has their kryptonite. A small patch of ice in the electrical schematic can neutralize Dr Electric’s power grid faster than the speed of light!

Oh so true. I’m shivering just thinking about it. Thank goodness for aftermarket parts.
Always respect friction and gravity!
When the wintery weather gets slippery my wife puts a shock collar around my neck. If I get close to the door I get zapped.

I suspected one or more of you guys had a screw loose, just couldnt tell who that was until now.

Professor Morthimer, that diagnostic was illuminating.

Yep, and I’m usually the one with the loose screw. Glad you were enlightened.