Alternator Testing/Troubleshooting - Westerbeke 5.0Kw BCDR Operator's Manual

7.6KW BTDR GENERATOR ONLY
ALTERNATORS TESTING/TROUBLESHOOTING
SEE WIRING DIAGRAM
FOR WIRE CONNECTIONS
TO OPTIONAL ALTERNATORS 50 AMP
ALTERNATOR
NOTE:
FOR CORRECT WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS TO THE ALTERNATOR,
REFER TO THE WIRING DIAGRAMS IN THIS MANUAL.
DESCRIPTION
The following information applies to the standard alternators
that are supplied with WESTERBEKE'S Engines and
Generators.
NOTE:
The 5.0KW BCl)R generator is not equipped with a
belt driven DC alternator. Battery charging is accomplished
/' lty
a battery charge circuit that is an integral part o/the AC
generator. This circuit supplies up to a 17 amp charge to
the engine's starting battery. This circuit is protected
by
a
30 amp buss fuse.
ELECTRICAL CHARGING CIRCUIT
The charging system consists of an alternator
w~th
a Voltage
regulator, an engine DC wiring harness, a mounted DC
circuit breaker and a battery with connecting cables. Because
of the use of integrated circuits (IC's), the electronic voltage
regulator is very 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 harness and electrical
loads that are a permanent 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
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
The integral voltage regulator is an electronic switching
device which senses the system voltage level and switches
the voltage applied to the field in order to maintain a proper
system voltage.
The regulator design
utili~s
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 handling or vibration.
ALTERNATOR TROUBLESHOOTING
Use this troubleshooting section to determine if a problem
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.
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
c~uit
and not an alternator
problem.
A simple test is to
try
starting again lights on, if the light
dims significantly or goes out, the battery is dead. If the light
remains bright, look for a poor connection in the starting
circuit.
A
WARNING:
A working altematorlUns hot. A failed
altemator can become very hot. 00 not touch the
altemator until if has cooled.
Engines & Generators
28