Electric Gremlins

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Talisman
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Joined: 12/26/07
Posts: 243
Electric Gremlins

So it seems the alarm buzzer is only one of my problems noticed this weekend:
1.  The tack would operate on and off.
2.  I noticed a slight fluttering also in my fuel gauge
3.  My engine that normally cranks on right away took a bit longer.
4.  My volt meter that normally reads around or above 13 volts when the engine is on was sometimes 11 and sometimes 12.
5.  My house bank read 13 volts but was consuming amperage as per my monitor.
6.  Same with my starting battery but it was reflecting between 12.25 to 12.6 volts.  At the end of almost 5 hours of motoring it registered 13 + volts for both sets of batteries.

Problems with:
Alternator - 110A rapid charging Balmar 14 years old?
Regulator - Balmar ARS-5 6 years old?
House Bank Batteries - 2 Lifeline deep cycle 4D’s 6 years old?
Starting  - 1 Lifeline deep cycle 31 14r years old?
Battery Monitor - Xantrex Link 2000 14 ;yrs old?
Wiring and connections?

Assuming my list is correct, how do I test all these things and determine where the problem lies?
 

Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
 

LeslieTroyer's picture
LeslieTroyer
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Joined: 3/13/16
Posts: 533

I would make sure your ground. From engine to batteries is making good connection. Especially at the shunt.  

Les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

Talisman
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Joined: 12/26/07
Posts: 243

So Balmar tech says this could be caused by my aged alternator (14 years) and recommends it be serviced, primarily the replacement of the brushes and springs which he states wear out.

So the question in my mind is repair or replace?  According to Balmar this should only take about half hour for a mechanic to do.  (Rather nice of them to not push a new sale.). Obviously if rebuilt alternators can provide many years of service and the shop will charge a reasonable price this is the way to go instead of paying $800 for a new one.

Anyone know the answer?

Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
 

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