Voltage Regulator - Westerbeke 8.0KW - 60Hz EDT Operator's Manual

ALTERNATORS TESTING/TROUBLESHDOTING
DESCRIPTION
50 AMP MITSUBISHI
ALTERNATOR
REFER TO THE WIRING
DIAGRAM IN THIS
MANUAL FOR ALL
WIRING CONNECTIONS
The following mfonnation applies to the standard alternators
that are supplied with WESTERBEKE'S Engines and
GeneratorS.
ELECTRICAL CHARGING CIRCUIT
The charging system consists of an altemator with a voltage
regulator, an engine DC wiring hamess, a mounted DC
circuit breaker and a batteIy with connecting cables. Because
of the use of integrated circuits O(::'s), the electronic voltage
regulator is veIy compact and is mounted internally or on the
back of the alternator.
It is desirable to test the charging system (alternator and
voltage regulator) using the wiring barness and electrical
loads that are a pennanent part of the system and will then
provide the technician with an operational test of the
charging system
as
well
as
the major components of the
electrical system.
ALTERNATOR DESCRIPTION
The stator is connected to a three-phase, full-wave bridge
rectifier package which contains six diodes. The bridge
converts the AC generated in the stator to a DC output for
ba!teIy charging and accessories,
Power to the regulator and the field of the integral regulator
altematoris provided by the field diode (or diode trio)
paCkage contained in the alternator.
These alternators produce a rated output of 50 or 51 amps.
rated output is achieved at approximately 6000 alternator
rpm at an ambient temperature of 75'P (23.8'C). The
alternators are desigued to operate in an ambient temperature
range nf<40'to'2i2"F-(<41l'-to i1l0'C).
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
The integral voltage regulator is an electronic switching
device which senses the system voltage level and switches
~ ~ thecvoltage~appliedt()~thefie\d
in order to'maintain a proper
system voltage.
The regulator desigu utilizes all-silicon semi conductors and
thick-film assembly' techniques. After the voltage has been
adjusted to the proper regulating valve, the entire circuit is
encapsulated to protect the circuit and the components from
possible damage due to handliug or vibration.
ALTERNATOR TROUBLESHOOTING
Use this troubleshooting section to determine if a problern
exists with the charging circuit or with the alternator. If it is
determined that the alternator or voltage regulator is faulty,
have a qualified technician check it.
A
WARNING:
A working alternator runs hot. A failed
alternator can become very bot. Do not touch the
alternator until if bas cooled.
LOW BATTERY/fAULTY CIRCUIT
If the starter only moans or makes a clicking sound instead
of spinning the engine to life it is likely a low battery or a
faulty connection in. the starting circuit and not an alternator
problem.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
Before starting the actual alternator and voltage regulator,
testing the following checks are recommended.
L Make certsin your alternator is securely mounted.
2. Check the drive belts for proper tension. Replace the belt
if it is worn or glazed.
3. Check that all terminals, connectors and plugs are clean
and tight. Loose or corrO<jed corulections cause high
resistance and this could cause overcharging,
undercharging or damage to the charging systern. Badly
corroded battery cables could prevent the battery from
reaching a fully charged condition.
4. Check the condition of the batteIy and charge if necessary.
A low or discharged battery may cause false or misleading
readings in the tests.
NOTE: An isolator with a diode, a solenoid, or a battelY
selector switch is usually mounted ill the circuit to isolate
the batteries so the starting battery is not discharged along
with the nouse batteries.
if
the isolator is charging the
starting battery but not the house battery, the altemator is
OK
ond
the problem is
ill
the battery charging circuit.
Englnes~
G.enerators
32