Re: 1985 Dolphin Electrical System

Liuhisn <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hello. I have a 1995 Dolphin Rv and I am having a similar problem. My
battery is getting overcharged. As soon as I start the engine within
seconds I can hear the battery starting to boil and acid starting to
come out from under the caps! I instantly shut it down.I purchased a new
alternator and had it tested. On the testing rig it read 14.3v. When it
was installed in the motorhome I was getting 19.3 volts at the battery
and on the voltage indicator on the Dash. Going to various RV forms, I
am getting advice to look for external voltage regulators, loose or
frayed wires, bad grounds, etc. A new development now is that the inside
ceiling lights are not working! All of the fuses are good by the way.
> Please help! Why is the battery getting more power?!


I am not familiar with this particular model, but if the alternator is
the type which senses the voltage through a separate wire to the battery
and this wire has become disconnected, it will deliver the maximum
voltage continuously.

If it is a 'battery sensing' type, the connector on the back of the
alternator will have two big terminal spades and some smaller ones.  One
of these smaller ones should be connected directly to the battery
positive terminal.  Check to see that the wire or the end terminal
hasn't become corroded where it goes onto the battery clamp and that the
female connector at the alternator end hasn't become corroded or chewed
up by mishandling.

In a motorhome, it is possible someone has messed up the system in their
attempts to fit a second battery - in which case you will probably have
to seek the services of an expert.

If all else fails, changing the alternator to a 'machine sensing' type
will overcome this problem, although it could later result in
low-charging problems if there is corrosion elsewhere in the electrical
system (particularly in the earth braids, which are often overlooked).


-- 
~ Liz Tuddenham ~
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www.poppyrecords.co.uk