Installation manual
ALTERNATORS
TESTING/TROUBLESHOOTING
BATTERY
TESTING
THE
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
ENGINE
RUNNING
TO
STARTER
SOLENOIO
TESTING
THE
EXCITATION
CIRCUIT
'.
1. Connect the positive (+) multimeter probe to the
excitation terminal
R on the alternator and the negative
(-)
probe to the ground terminal E on the alternator.
2.
Turn
the ignition switch
to
the on position and note
the multimeter reading. The reading should be
1.3
to
2.5 volts (see illustration).
3.
If
the reading is between .75
and
1.1
volts, the
rotor field circuit probably is shorted or grounded.
4.
If
the reading is between 6.0
and
7.0 volts, the rotor
field circuit probably is open.
5.
If
no
reading is obtained,
an
open exists in the
alternator-excitation lead or in the excitation circuit
of
the regulator. Disconnect the lead from exe. terminal
R.
Connect the positive multimeter probe
to
the excitation
lead and the negative multimeter probe
to
ground
terminal
E.
If
the multimeter now indicates
an
approximate battery voltage, the voltage regulator is
defective and must be replaced.
If
no
voltage is
indicated, check the excitation circuit for loose or dirty
connections or damaged wiring.
CHECKING
THE
SERVICE
BATTERY
Check the voltage
of
the service battery. This battery should
have a voltage between
13
and
14
volts
when
the
engine is
running.
If
not, there is a problem in the service battery
charging circuit. Troubleshoot the service battery charging
circuit
by
checking the wiring and connections,
the
solenoid,
isolator,
battery switch,
and
the battery itself.
When the problem has been solved
and
before
the
alternator
is
back in operation, take
the
time
to
tighten
and
clean the
terminal studs.
Also clean the connecting tenninals
from
the
wiring harness.,
ALTERNATOR
REPAIR
If
tests indicate a failed alternator, it will need
to
be
disassembled and repaired.
Any
good alternator
service
shop can
do
the job.
NOTE:
WESTERBEKE'S
Service
Manual
has
detailed
instructions
for
the
disassembly
and
repair
of
their
standard
altemators.
BATTERY
CARE
The minimum recommended capacity of the battery
used
in
the engine's
12
volt
DC
control circuit
is
600-900
Cold
Cranking Amps (CCA).
Review the manufacturer's recommendations
and
then
establish a systematic maintenance schedule
for
your
engine's
starting batteries and house batteries.
• Monitor your voltmeter for proper charging
during
engine operation.
• Check the electrolyte level
and
specific gravity
with
a
hydrometer.
•
Use
only distilled water
to
bring electrolytes
to
a proper
level.
• Make certain that battery cable connections are clean
and
tight
to
the battery posts (and
to
your engine).
'-w'IWESTERBEKE
IEnafnes
& Generators
.
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