Re: Md 6b

Ehhh... how would you know that the alternator is blown?
We might have turned the key off before the engine.

When I try to start the engine now, all I get is a clicking
noise. It comes from a little box in the engine room.

Electrical wires are connected to it, and it has a round
thingy protruding from it.

Could that be the alternator?

Ole M
#3193
 
Oct 30, 2019
61
Sounds like either a dead battery, or loose battery cables, or both....

The easy way to know if you blew the alternator is (once you start the
engine) to measure the voltage on the battery. If the alternator is
charging I think the voltage should be around 14-15 volts.

Dave
V2917
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi

It sounds as though the starter solenoid is stuck. The MD6B has a starter motor instead of a Dynastart. The problem of stating will not have anything to do with the alternator.

Steve Birch
 
Oct 31, 2019
8
Well, I got it running again. The battery *was* almost flat.
I changed it, and it started. So I guess my alternator is ok.

But i tried a voltmeter with the engine running, and it showed 12.3.
So I'm bying a charger tomorrow as a temporary solution.

We ended up in front of the ferry going to Kiel (a big one) last Sunday,

with no wind and a dead engine. The ship changed its course,
but it's no situation that I want to be in again.

Better charged than sorry!

Ole M
#3193
 
Dec 16, 2002
37
Hi Ole,
Hmmmmm.... with the engine running you should be
reading much more than 12.3 volts. I wouldn't be
happy with anything less than 13.5 volts. Sounds like
the alternator isn't putting out any charge to the
battery. BTW... the alternator has nothing to do with
getting the engine started, only recharging the
batteries and running any electrical equipment while
you are under power. If the alternator is bad and you
are using powered instruments, lights or radios during
your sail you will wear the battery down again and
have no juice to start the MD6 to head home. The best
temp solution would be to have a second battery that
is disconnected during the your sail time so it is
fresh to start the engine in case of emergency.
Permanant fix... solve the alternator problem,
probably a new one is in order.
Good luck!!
John Devany
'Southern Comfort Too'
V2931