Battery Care - Westerbeke 29.0 EGED 60Hz Operator's Manual

ALTERNATORS TESTING/TROUBLESHOOTING
.
.
TESTING THE EXCITAnON CIRCUIT
1. Connect the positive (
+)
multimeter probe to the
excitation terminal R'onthe alternator and the negative(-)
lead
to ground.
TESTING THE
. EXCITATION
CIRCUIT
(ENGINE.
RUNNING)
2. Start the engine and note the multimeter reading. The
reading should be approximately battery charging voltage.
If the reading is battery voltage, then the DC alternator's
regulat01; is faulty or the alternator itself and should be
repaired.
3. If no reading is obtained, an open exists in the
alternator/excitation lead. Disconnect the lead to determine
the fault and correct. Jumper a 12 VDC source to the R
terminal. The alternator output voltage should be in the
14 VDC range indicating the alternator is OK
OUTPUT TERMINAL
EXCITER
CHECKING THE SERVICE BATTERY
. Check the voltage of the service battery. this batteiy 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.
Whyn the problem has been solved and before the alternator
-is hack in operation, take the time to tighten and clean the
temiinai
studs. Also clean the connecting terminals from the
wiring hamess.
ALTERNATOR REPAIR
If tests indicate a failed alternator,
it
will need to be disas-
sembled and repaired. A:n.y good alternator service shop
can
do the job.
NOTE:
WESTERBEKE'SService Manual has detailed
instructions for the disassembly
and
repair of their
standard. altenwtors.
BATTERY CARE
The minimum recommended capacity of the battery used in
the engine's 12 volt DC control circuit is 800-1000 Cold
. Cranking Amps (CCA).
Review the manufacturer's recommendations and then
estab:tish a systematic maintenanCe schedule for your
engine's starting batteries and house batteries.
• Monitor your voltmeter for proper charging during
engine operation.
•
ch~ck
the electrolyte level and specific gravity with a
hydro~eter.
·
•
U.S~.
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).
TESTING THE
EXCITATION
CIRCUIT
ENGINE·
.RUNNING
TERMINAL
R
'·'
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