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Strange issue
#1

If I start the engine with the coach not plugged in and genset NOT running, the alternator works properly.

If I start the engine with the coached plugged into a live power pole, the alternator works properly.

If I start the engine and then start the genset, the "check alt" light comes on and no alternator charging is shown on the silverleaf unit.

Any ideas.....................................................

Steve Bare
1999 Newell 2 slide #531
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#2

I’d look into the alternator on the genset and the series 60 alternator creating an issue .

Not sure what is going on but it only occurs when series 60 and genset running? Right?

If the genset is full fielded and producing max output then the alternator on the series 60 may go to zero output causing the check alt light to come on.



Just my opinion........

Gordon Jones
2000-45'-2slide-#567
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#3

"Not sure what is going on but it only occurs when series 60 and genset running? Right?"

Right

Steve Bare
1999 Newell 2 slide #531
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#4

It is either what Gordon says, in that the alternator on the genset is producing enough voltage that the viktagge regulator on the engine alternator thinks it doesn't need to activate. In which case current will be flowing slightly backwards through the ammeter, which will trip the warning light.

Or, the inverter charger is kicking in when you crank the generator, again providing higher voltage than the regulator on the alternator wants. This will cause the ammeter to read backwards. Any chance the batteries are merged?

Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home Cool )
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#5

WARNING: DUMB QUESTION AHEAD ....What is the purpose of the alternator on the genset? I can see where it would provide power to the generator itself...but why would it be connected to the rest of the coach? Would one just disconnect it or put big diodes in to avoid this problem?

Bill Johnson
Birmingham, Alabama
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#6

Doesn't the generator alt supply the coach engine with enough voltage to run , if the engine alt doesn't work?

Steve Magown
Calhoun, LA
2001 Prevost H3 Vantare
formerly Newell #458
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#7

i drove over 2000 miles with a non functioning engine alternator and just running the genny. only during the day though. no headlights.

tom

2002 45'8" Newell Coach 608  Series 60 DDEC4/Allison World 6 Speed HD4000MH

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#8

I recently drove about 500 miles with no functioning engine alternator. Having a completely mechanical DD 6v92 engine with o computer helps a lot. Didn't run generator at all. My solar array recharged all the batteries while underway. Just as Tom did, I only drove during the day, but used my headlights for limited durations.


Clarke and Elaine Hockwald
1982 Newell Classic, 36', 6V92 TA
2001 VW Beetle Turbo
Cannondale Tandem
Cannondale Bad Boy
Haibike SDURO MTB
http://whatsnewell.blogspot.com
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#9

"Any chance the batteries are merged?"

No  The battery merge switch is not on in either direction and the battery merge warning light is not lit.

Steve Bare
1999 Newell 2 slide #531
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#10

I have a couple of ideas that you might try to give more clues.

One, does it make a difference, with the gen running, if you put the main engine on high idle?

Two, as a quick piece of info, can you temporarily remove the fan belt from the gen motor. You don’t want to run it long this way but it will disable the gen motor alternator.

Can you get your voltmeter probe on the back side of the alternator and read the voltage with the engine running?

Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home Cool )
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