[C320-list] Alternator to batteries

[Graeme Clark]

How are the terminals on the back of the alternator marked
Possible alternatives might be F, B+, B-, GND, and so on.

Generally B+ is the one that connects to the battery and F will be the purple wire to the field excitation.

You can test voltage at end of purple wire, without connecting altimeter- just put a voltmeter (or even a 12v bulb) between it and a suitable earth/ground point

Graeme

> On 25 Mar 2017, at 14:34, Ted Harrison <tharrison at innovations-plus.com> wrote:
> 
> Yes I removed the alternator and had it bench tested. 
> 
> How to you test the voltage from the switch to the alternator? Where on the alternator do you place the volt meters leads?
> 
> Thanks 
> 
> Ted Harrison
> 
>> On Mar 25, 2017, at 10:19 AM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:
>> 
>> Ted
>> 
>> Not sure if this helps but when you turn on the ignition key-switch, power is connected to the alternator field coils, which on my boat is a thick purple wire (10 gauge?).
>> Without energising the field coils the alternator will not output anything.
>> In fact - on my own set up -  the PO fitted a ‘smart-charger’ that feeds the field coils so my purple wire has been disconnected.
>> When you say your alternator was tested, do you mean whilst being turned by the engine, or when removed. If it was bench tested then the next step is to make sure that when the ignition is on, the filed coils are getting a voltage, and then when it is running, (mind fingers in belts) the alternator is producing a charge voltage.
>> If it is then the problem lies between the alternator and the batteries and at least you have helped isolate the issue.
>> Hope this helps
>> 
>> Graeme
>> #366, 1996
>>> On 25 Mar 2017, at 14:12, Ted Harrison <tharrison at innovations-plus.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Just had the alternator tested and it is ok. Is there a fuse somewhere that would prevent the alternator from charging the batteries? 
>>> 
>>> 1997 hull 424
>>> Whitby 
>>> 
>>> Ted Harrison
>> 
>> ———————————————————
>> I work irregular hours and often write emails late in the evening and at weekends; that doesn’t mean I expect you to do the same; reply when convenient!
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 

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I work irregular hours and often write emails late in the evening and at weekends; that doesn’t mean I expect you to do the same; reply when convenient!