Alternator Issues

[Jon0249]

I recently had a fluctuating voltmeter, at times pegging the meter, at other times stuck in the yellow range. I eventually replaced the voltage regulator, but not until the low voltage situation ruined my new and expensive ESS box. But now, my voltmeter will not get out of the yellow range. I completely discharged my batteries recently, took out the regulator and tested it - it's working fine.

So now I have at least a few issues to confirm - bad brushes (or field coil), the exciter wire is not energized or bad diodes. It's been a while since I had the alternator off - is there a replaceable diode set on this unit? Also, is the exciter wire controlled by the ESS circuitry? Any insight into this is appreciated.

 

[Milcommoguy]

Which alternator... 60 amp, 100 amp or 200 amp.

All Amps are not equal, CAMO

 

[Mogman]

More information is needed as CAMO said, have you replaced the EESS? it excites the alternator among other things, have you checked for 24V (28.5 nom. while charging) at both the alternator exciter terminal and output terminal?

 

[Jon0249]

Which alternator... 60 amp, 100 amp or 200 amp.

All Amps are not equal, CAMO

Oops! Missed this reply.

60 A alternator

 

[Jon0249]

More information is needed as CAMO said, have you replaced the EESS? it excites the alternator among other things, have you checked for 24V (28.5 nom. while charging) at both the alternator exciter terminal and output terminal?

I sent the regulator for testing - it’s fine. I’ll be able to test both output and exciter when it gets back.
I replaced the ESS box, but the old regulator was erratic and ultimately burnt the new box. Getting really tired of replacing it.

 

[Milcommoguy]

Where would you just send the regulator to? I am thinking that is important to know, but what if the other parts are bad.

Wondering and confused, CAMO