When I purchased my 2003 Hunter 426 (44) in 2010 I found that the alternator was not charging during the trip from RI to DE. I replaced the Alt. w/generic and fried it also. I had a Balmar 100AMP w 614 external smart regulator installed with new AGM batteries (2 4d house; gp27 AGM start; gp27 AGM bow thruster bat.). The starting solenoid went bad (or was bad from the get go) and on Hunter’s recommendation I replaced it with a Blue Seas VSR after being told that the stock solenoid was inadequate with the 85 amp alternator upgrade by the PO. The VSR was wired into an “on/off” switch (as recommended by Blue Seas) where the “off” position combined the house and start banks if ever needed. I also installed a Victron battery monitor. All work was professionally done with the exception of the Victron which was installed by myself.
What is happening – at start up the initial up charge as shown by both the panel and cockpit meters is usually 13.8 - well below the 14+ it should be, however both banks are charging. (In fact I rarely see anything approaching 14v.) After running under power for some time my voltage readings come down to anywhere between 11.9 and 12.6. This, to me, indicates that the batteries are not charging and, in fact, it is necessary for me to run the generator at anchor to charge after powering ALL DAY!!! OR----after the batteries are sensed as being fully charged the process stops and appears not to go into the float stage. I don’t know if this is an accurate analysis since I am not well versed in electrical issues.
A Balmar tech. suggests removing the regulator sensor wire from the alternator and running it directly to the start battery to get a more accurate reading – which I have done with an improvement in the voltage readings (see chart below). I don’t see how this will solve the “not charging” problem which does not manifest itself until after running for a period of 2 to 4 hours.
HELP! There is something odd going on and I am trying to avoid an expensive professional analysis if I can avoid it – which seems unlikely at this point. Any Suggestions will be much appreciated?
......................Alternator.........House Bat. ........Start Bat.......Panel Meter
Readings
while at rest.............................12.83................12.83....................
for 15 mins.
Readings
while running
before sensor........14.2..............13.9.................13.93.............13.93
wire changed
Readings
while running
after sensor..........14.3..............14.0..................14.6..............14.6
wire changed
There is some difference but I don't see how changing the location of the regulator sensor wire from the alternator to the start battery will solve my charging weirdness.
What is happening – at start up the initial up charge as shown by both the panel and cockpit meters is usually 13.8 - well below the 14+ it should be, however both banks are charging. (In fact I rarely see anything approaching 14v.) After running under power for some time my voltage readings come down to anywhere between 11.9 and 12.6. This, to me, indicates that the batteries are not charging and, in fact, it is necessary for me to run the generator at anchor to charge after powering ALL DAY!!! OR----after the batteries are sensed as being fully charged the process stops and appears not to go into the float stage. I don’t know if this is an accurate analysis since I am not well versed in electrical issues.
A Balmar tech. suggests removing the regulator sensor wire from the alternator and running it directly to the start battery to get a more accurate reading – which I have done with an improvement in the voltage readings (see chart below). I don’t see how this will solve the “not charging” problem which does not manifest itself until after running for a period of 2 to 4 hours.
HELP! There is something odd going on and I am trying to avoid an expensive professional analysis if I can avoid it – which seems unlikely at this point. Any Suggestions will be much appreciated?
......................Alternator.........House Bat. ........Start Bat.......Panel Meter
Readings
while at rest.............................12.83................12.83....................
for 15 mins.
Readings
while running
before sensor........14.2..............13.9.................13.93.............13.93
wire changed
Readings
while running
after sensor..........14.3..............14.0..................14.6..............14.6
wire changed
There is some difference but I don't see how changing the location of the regulator sensor wire from the alternator to the start battery will solve my charging weirdness.
