| Author | Message | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 84 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 99.109.187.242 Rating: N/A |
I've got an older PowerTech 6.6 kw kubota diesel genset. I've tried and failed to find any manual or wiring diagram for this. The questions I have are regarding the alternator on the genset: First, I don't know if the alternator is working. How can I test to see if it is producing any current? Second, does anyone know if it has an internal or external regulator or none at all? Third, as far as I can tell, the only 'connection' between the genset and the batteries are the batt cables. There are no other wires running from the alternator to the 12V batteries. Does the alternator charge the batts back through the same cables that starts the gen? That's the only way I can think of that the alternator could be charging the batts. So, basically, how can I test to see if the genset alt. is charging the batteris? There is no other 'charging' system for this battery bank. It is separate from the house bank and the starting bank. Thanks in advance | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 390 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 72.187.35.208  Rating: N/A |
Just give them a call (352) 365-2777. They are very helpful and easy to work with. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1320 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 75.205.158.60  Rating: N/A |
Jim, I am fairly sure it is a "1 wire" alternator with a built in regulator. An alternator has to have a regulator (internal or external) to protect batteries from overcharging. You can take the alternator to any chain auto parts store such as PepBoys, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc and they can test it for you. Jack | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 85 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 99.109.187.242 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Jack! Therein lies part of my problem - it will be very difficult to remove. I was hoping I could test it before I tried to remove it. | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Registered Member Username: Sean Post Number: 1135 Registered: 1-2003 Posted From: 72.171.0.139  Rating: N/A |
If the generator start batts are not dying, the alternator is probably working fine. You could put a voltmeter on the battery cable to check. Before starting the genny, the battery should read close to 12v, and once the generator is started, that should go up a volt or two, to 13-14v. Yes, there is usually only a single wire from the battery to the starter, and another wire from the alternator to the same lug on the starter. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1203 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.17.16  Rating: N/A |
Jim, Be sure to check if it takes a separate battery. I had an old Onan that required a separate battery which it kept charged with the built in alternator. When I first hooked it to the bus battery bank it totally confused my bus alt regulator. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1347 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.211.85.240 Rating: N/A |
X-celent point, Gus...got one of those!  Has it's own regulator as well. RCB | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 87 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 99.109.187.242 Rating: N/A |
Thanks to all who responded. I ran some tests this weekend and I believe the genset alt is working correctly. As Sean suggested, I tested voltage at the genset batt bank as 12.6. Then I started the generator and w/in a minute or so the voltage had risen to 16 volts. So, I concluded that something (alt) was charging the batts. Yes, the genset had a separate 12 volt bank of two start batteries. The question I have now: Is 16 volts too high? If so, is there any way to adjust that? Best Regards, | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1902 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 174.91.144.244  Rating: N/A |
If the battery is poor, you'll see a high voltage right away, how is it after 10-15 minutes of running? Sustained at that voltage, either the battery is bad or the regulator in the alternator is bad. Same as our cars, always the problem, one harms the other, and both! happy coaching! buswarrior |