Hi, we have a Swagman motorhome with 4 batteries some for starting some for house,also solar charging but here is a doozy, the alternator belt has been removed and therefore i would have thought no charge from motor but when i start up the volt meters show a definite increase to batteries.im dumbfounded and ask does anyone have any ideas as to why,unfortunately i cannot ask previous owner as he is no longer with us.
Thanks
Andrew and Elke
Dick0 said
06:40 PM May 31, 2022
Hi, can you elaborate about alternator belt having been removed and why?
You do realise the batteries will be charged by solar if not by alternator.
And, why haven't you replaced the belt?
-- Edited by Dick0 on Tuesday 31st of May 2022 06:43:17 PM
Whenarewethere said
08:07 AM Jun 1, 2022
Was the belt for a second alternator.
kgarnett said
09:43 AM Jun 1, 2022
Starting the motor will cause a temporary drop in battery voltage which will rise again when the starter motor is turned off.
Is perhaps what you are seeing ?
Ken
Beaver7 said
10:20 AM Jun 1, 2022
Im getting an auto sparky to check for me before just reconnecting alternator just in case of something weird has been wired in. Still getting voltage lift when disconnected from solar when engine running and no drop and rise just a substantial increase in voltage.
Thanks for your replies, I did say it was a dilemma. I might leave it for the sparky.
Aus-Kiwi said
10:53 AM Jun 1, 2022
Maybe a relay or VSR between the two batteries ? Then the solar kicks in on starter batteries . Other than that ? There maybe another belt driving the alternator? What engine is in it ? The Detroit 6.5 diesel has single serpentine belt over everything . Plus when you first turn the key on . The cold start heaters and fuel lift pump maybe operating drawing some from battery . Then it clicks off showing higher voltage !!
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Wednesday 1st of June 2022 10:58:15 AM
Hi, we have a Swagman motorhome with 4 batteries some for starting some for house,also solar charging but here is a doozy, the alternator belt has been removed and therefore i would have thought no charge from motor but when i start up the volt meters show a definite increase to batteries.im dumbfounded and ask does anyone have any ideas as to why,unfortunately i cannot ask previous owner as he is no longer with us.
Thanks
Andrew and Elke
Hi, can you elaborate about alternator belt having been removed and why?
You do realise the batteries will be charged by solar if not by alternator.
And, why haven't you replaced the belt?
-- Edited by Dick0 on Tuesday 31st of May 2022 06:43:17 PM
Was the belt for a second alternator.
Is perhaps what you are seeing ?
Ken
Maybe a relay or VSR between the two batteries ? Then the solar kicks in on starter batteries . Other than that ? There maybe another belt driving the alternator? What engine is in it ? The Detroit 6.5 diesel has single serpentine belt over everything . Plus when you first turn the key on . The cold start heaters and fuel lift pump maybe operating drawing some from battery . Then it clicks off showing higher voltage !!
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Wednesday 1st of June 2022 10:58:15 AM