Hi.
My 2 12 V batteries are wired in parallel.
They are close to end of useful life - voltage measured at bus bar
drops to about 12.5 V 24 hours after charging.
Not a prob as still plenty of amps to crank engine - but only with
alternator regulator disconnected.
Presumably - because batteries are partly discharged - reg is taking
too much current at start to allow starter motor to crank fast
enough... a vicious circle if I ever heard of one.
Present "solution": connect reg cable once engine starts - sooner or
later I'm going to screw up & disconnect cable with engine running -
blowing the reg.
Planned "solution": "improve" setup by putting a make/break switch on
the field line between reg & alternator - off when starting, switch it
on once engine has started.
I know that switching off positive supply to alternator once engine
running will blow regulator - am I right in thinking that even if I
accidentally knock off field line no harm will ensue?
Please don't reply suggesting I buy 2 new batteries - family, house ,
car etc all need to be kept in good order too!
Thanks
John
Vega 1447 Breakaway
My 2 12 V batteries are wired in parallel.
They are close to end of useful life - voltage measured at bus bar
drops to about 12.5 V 24 hours after charging.
Not a prob as still plenty of amps to crank engine - but only with
alternator regulator disconnected.
Presumably - because batteries are partly discharged - reg is taking
too much current at start to allow starter motor to crank fast
enough... a vicious circle if I ever heard of one.
Present "solution": connect reg cable once engine starts - sooner or
later I'm going to screw up & disconnect cable with engine running -
blowing the reg.
Planned "solution": "improve" setup by putting a make/break switch on
the field line between reg & alternator - off when starting, switch it
on once engine has started.
I know that switching off positive supply to alternator once engine
running will blow regulator - am I right in thinking that even if I
accidentally knock off field line no harm will ensue?
Please don't reply suggesting I buy 2 new batteries - family, house ,
car etc all need to be kept in good order too!
Thanks
John
Vega 1447 Breakaway