So we were out last night... I noticed the Port engine charging gauge hovering around 12v...
Stb gauge was normal at around 14v...
Any advice as to the best way to test the alternator? belt is good...
Thanks
Take a voltmeter and measure the battery with the motor and battery charger turned off. If battery charger was being used turn it off for a couple hours. Battery should read around 12.6 volts give or take. Now start the motor and let it run a few minutes, voltage should raise to around 14V.
Take a voltmeter and measure the battery with the motor and battery charger turned off. If battery charger was being used turn it off for a couple hours. Battery should read around 12.6 volts give or take. Now start the motor and let it run a few minutes, voltage should raise to around 14V.
You could follow the battery cables to the battery switches or, measure all three. All the batteries should read the same without a charger on. Start one motor and see which one shows a charge. You could also see two of bats being charged if one of the motors also charges the house battery.
You could follow the battery cables to the battery switches or, measure all three. All the batteries should read the same without a charger on. Start one motor and see which one shows a charge. You could also see two of bats being charged if one of the motors also charges the house battery.
So we were out last night... I noticed the Port engine charging gauge hovering around 12v...
Stb gauge was normal at around 14v...
Any advice as to the best way to test the alternator? belt is good...
Thanks
Before you start testing, one question... When did you look at the gauge? Most GM alternators (most boat engines) won't start charging until you have more than idle rpm. So if you start the engine and look at the gauge without touching the throttle, it will still be at 12v. If you had been driving around and it was at 12v, nevermind.
Before you start testing, one question... When did you look at the gauge? Most GM alternators (most boat engines) won't start charging until you have more than idle rpm. So if you start the engine and look at the gauge without touching the throttle, it will still be at 12v. If you had been driving around and it was at 12v, nevermind.
