kthoennes
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 2,520
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Xanadu
- Vessel Make
- Mainship 37 Motor Yacht
So my port engine voltmeter is reading 11.-something volts initially when I start the engine. My batteries (two, parallel) on the port side both read 12.6 (individually), they both match (FLA), and they're relatively new, 2021. When the engine is running I get 13.4-13.6 at the batteries, so I assume it's a bad or sticky or stiff gauge. The gauges are original to the boat, 1996 VDO gauges. The alternators are probably original to the boat also, Marine Power, 55 amp, double pulley. After about ten minutes though and the engines are warm, the port volt meter reads just over 13. Starboard engine reads between 13 and 14 right at startup. In other words, as the port engine warms up, the volt meter creeps up. So my question is, alternators don't warm up, do they? In other words, the output is the output, right, they don't gradually creep up after they start, do they?
I have a new Arco 70 amp (20830) on order just for general good maintenance and a slight upgrade in amps, but I'm really hoping the gauge isn't failing because I've done a diligent search and you can't get them anywhere anymore and I really don't want to have to start sawing different sized holes in the helm dash panel and changing sending units.
Thanks.
I have a new Arco 70 amp (20830) on order just for general good maintenance and a slight upgrade in amps, but I'm really hoping the gauge isn't failing because I've done a diligent search and you can't get them anywhere anymore and I really don't want to have to start sawing different sized holes in the helm dash panel and changing sending units.
Thanks.