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Generator output |
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RainDog 
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Joined: February-21-2007 Location: Mke/Grn Lake WI Status: Offline Points: 1387 |
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 Topic: Generator outputPosted: August-02-2007 at 8:55pm |
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My 62 has a generator. I was checking the charging circuit and I found at < 800 RPM, the generator puts out around 5 VDC. Over 1000 RPM, it makes 15 VDC.
If I disconnect the battery at <800 RPM, the boat dies. If I do the same at > 1000 RPM, it runs just fine. So, at idle or no wake, I am draining the battery for motor operation and lights. Is this a typical characteristic of generators or does it indicate a worn generator or failing voltage regulator? -Steve |
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BuffaloBFN
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Joined: June-24-2007 Location: Gainesville,GA Status: Offline Points: 6094 |
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Posted: August-02-2007 at 9:12pm |
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v-dub headlights went up and down with rpms...the fix was an alternator; as I understood it, the alternator and regulator maintained a steay output
but there are some pros here |
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boat dr
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Joined: June-27-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4245 |
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Posted: August-02-2007 at 9:17pm |
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Steve , you have hit on the reason an AC alternator was such a big improvement on the auto industry.More output and reliability came from the alt.
Higher rpms caused this, 10000 rpms are not uncommon to spin a newer unit, more r's more juice..........boat dr |
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Jim_In_Houston
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Joined: September-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1120 |
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Posted: August-02-2007 at 9:38pm |
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Yes you are draining your battery at low RPMs and yes it is typical for an older generator type system. I wouldn't worry about it - just be aware. BTW, I am using a Gel-Cell battery in my '68 and you just can't run that baby down - it just keeps going and going.....
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Happy owner of a '66 and a '68 Mustang
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RainDog
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Joined: February-21-2007 Location: Mke/Grn Lake WI Status: Offline Points: 1387 |
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Posted: August-02-2007 at 11:21pm |
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Unfortunatly, I just bought a new battery because while I was on our way to a weekend of boating, I forgot to turn my ignition off after switching it on the night before to watch the fuel level as I gassed it up. In the small town where we launched, my only option was to buy an Interstate battery to get me out of my jam.
It saved 2 glorious days of boating on a river though. Anyhow, that is the reassurance I was looking for. As long as I'm aware, I can work around it. I usually put a battery tender on it in between uses, anyway. Thanks again, everyone. |
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David F
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Joined: June-11-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1770 |
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Posted: August-03-2007 at 12:19pm |
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Interstate batteries are top of the line (IMHO). Automotive batteries work well in boats and are not any more dangerous than marine batteries. So, you did good sir. Why don't you convert to an alternator for peach of mind? Or, if you do a lot of idling around, can you put a smaller pulley on that generator to speed it up a bit?
My dad has a '46 Willis jeep (ranch vehicle) with a 6-volt system and a generator. What a piece of you know what electrical wise. I was going to upgrade to a 12-volt system, but punted when I realized I would have to change out original gauges, lights, etc. |
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boat dr
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Joined: June-27-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4245 |
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Posted: August-03-2007 at 1:06pm |
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David, will disagree on two points here,Sold Interstate for 5 years,75 to 100 a year.The failure rate has risen to the point that I no longer can swap out for free.
No problem with them doing an adjustment,just the fact they will not live.... As to putting a smaller pulley on a Generater,that is sure death for the armature and mostly the commutater.Heat and solder don't mix well. The old timers called it "sling the solder" this was from over charging or exceeding the rated output of the system......boat dr |
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David F
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Posted: August-03-2007 at 1:17pm |
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I am sure you are right, hence the question in my comment on the smaller pulley. I would ditch the generator. Sad to hear that Interstate quality is not what it used to be. I have always had luck with them in the past. Arn't most batteries made by one or two companies anyway?
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6strings
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Joined: August-05-2004 Location: Indiana Status: Offline Points: 218 |
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Posted: August-03-2007 at 1:24pm |
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David, speaking of the jeep (I've had several of the old 6 volt babies), how about those vacuum windshield wipers...now that'll drive you nuts in a rain storm!
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David F
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Joined: June-11-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1770 |
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Posted: August-03-2007 at 1:32pm |
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I am sure it would! My dad's jeep does not have wipers. They were removed years ago and as far as I remember, they were manual anyway...
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