Charging problem

[td4321]

Anyone have a suggestion for a charging problem. When we first go to the boat and start the engine I get 16 to 17 volts on the digital meter. After we sail around a while or for a couple of days, every time we start the engine it shows 13.6 to 14 volts on the meter. Never fails, first time after a stay in the slip 16 to 17 volts. I am going to burn up some instruments if I don't correct this. The depth and wind instruments turn off and on depending on the volts.

Any suggestions on what to look for. I can not find a loose connection as of yet.

Tony

 

[Bill Roosa]

Going to need some more info
Are you on shore power while at the slip?
Are you using a batter charger while at the slip?
What is the batt voltage before you start the engine?
Does the alternator voltage come down after a while (how long a while) or does it stay at 16-17 volts till you restart the engine?

First blush is there is something going on with either the battery charger or the alternator voltage regulator.

 

[Benny17441]

Verify your voltage readings with a digital, handheld multimeter. If you get similar readings then have the alternator bench tested.

 

[td4321]

Yes I am in the slip with a charger on. Tru-charge 20/20. It seems to test ok when I check it. Voltages are in the 13.6 range. That is one of the first things I looked at. This week however we left it off to see what happens the next time we start the engine.

No the voltage does not go down. However I do not let it run very long. As soon as I can I raise the sails and turn the engine off I do. After sailing a few hours all seems well.

Battery voltage seems normal before we start the engine after sitting in the slip. (12.6 to 12.8)

I agree with the alternator problem. I would think it would be cut and dry but I don't know why it works ok the rest of the time.

Had the balmar rebuilt a few years back while on a cruise. Did not know the company so that winter I had it bench tested by balmar. They said it was in good shape and the rebuild was done well. However they said that this alternator was the only one that they used internal regulator and said I would be better off to install an external one. Sounds like the next step but I will take some readings with my handheld before I start the boat next time.

 

[Stu Jackson]

So maybe just the regulator is shot.

 

[kloudie1]

I believe, like Stu, that your regulator is shot. Should be a quick and fairly cheap fix at a normal alternator repair place.

 

[captainpat]

Could be the regulator. The Balmar external smart regulator is a good investment. I see you're on the Choptank.....check with Frank Darringer at Mid Shore Electronics in the Cambridge Creek. In fact, I AM THERE RIGHT NOW HAVING WORK DONE.