20a load thru alternator?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: frederick maryland
20a load thru alternator?
73 bb
ive got an electrical problem i cant figure out. used to be my battery would discharge after starting for a minute or 2, then the alternator would start charging. i think i tracked that down to a bad connection on one of the small(field) wires. i also replaced the fusible link which had only a few strands of wire remaining and showed signs of heat.
alternator charges immediately on starting now, but i noticed while driving i had a 20a charge rate even after driving for a half hour. got home and turned the key on and i show a 20a load withthe engine not running. popped out each fuse till all were out and the load was still there. pulled the 2wire plug off the alternator and the load dropped to nearly zero. hooked it back and the draw is back.
pulled the alt and had it bench checked, it passed.
would tired brushes or corrosion where they run on the armature cause this? is this likely an alternator problem even though it charges fine?
just seems crazy the alt is puttin out 20 extra ampsall the time just to energize the field. ive been workin on old machinery for 30 years but never seen an alternator problem like this
anything else it could be?
thx!
ive got an electrical problem i cant figure out. used to be my battery would discharge after starting for a minute or 2, then the alternator would start charging. i think i tracked that down to a bad connection on one of the small(field) wires. i also replaced the fusible link which had only a few strands of wire remaining and showed signs of heat.
alternator charges immediately on starting now, but i noticed while driving i had a 20a charge rate even after driving for a half hour. got home and turned the key on and i show a 20a load withthe engine not running. popped out each fuse till all were out and the load was still there. pulled the 2wire plug off the alternator and the load dropped to nearly zero. hooked it back and the draw is back.
pulled the alt and had it bench checked, it passed.
would tired brushes or corrosion where they run on the armature cause this? is this likely an alternator problem even though it charges fine?
just seems crazy the alt is puttin out 20 extra ampsall the time just to energize the field. ive been workin on old machinery for 30 years but never seen an alternator problem like this
anything else it could be?
thx!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I wouldn't rely on the gage for that number. I would put a known good in line meter to make sure what you have. A 20 amp draw in an alternator would be rather serious. The gage may be wrong.
