Thread: battery problem

Probably your alternator needs new brushes. Output voltage should be 14.2 +/- 0.2V.
Cheers

Blythe, what engine? V8? if so check carefully the earthing between battery and engine block, the braided lines often loose their ability to transfer electrons. The starter can also be a problem if drawing excessive current, the battery may also be very weak IE low plate material/ reserve capacity.

13.6V is pretty much enough although as stated 14+ would be better. If the battery, starter and earthing is a problem together even 14V wouldn't be enough. 9.5V during cranking sounds a bit like poor earthing and /or starter problems. 10V is more usual IME.

JC

Yeah, sounds similar to what mine was doing just before the starter died. Cables & earths were all good, but dragging heaps of current during cranking, and bringing the battery down to about 9 volts. Starter died a few weeks later, and a new one fixed all my problems. I've now got an OEX reduction drive unit, and it is great.

Originally Posted by justinc

Blythe, what engine? V8? if so check carefully the earthing between battery and engine block, the braided lines often loose their ability to transfer electrons. The starter can also be a problem if drawing excessive current, the battery may also be very weak IE low plate material/ reserve capacity.

13.6V is pretty much enough although as stated 14+ would be better. If the battery, starter and earthing is a problem together even 14V wouldn't be enough. 9.5V during cranking sounds a bit like poor earthing and /or starter problems. 10V is more usual IME.

JC

Hi Justin the engine is a 4.6 V8 got it fitted while in Adelaide. It has only started going it since the drive to Brisbane so it could be loose connections, I will go over it on the weekend as that is by far the cheapest optiion ( I hope)

so I checked the earths, started the engine and the alternator seized, guess that tells me what is wrong

pulled it off - it freed up ok but obviously will need a rebuild

So $340-00 later I have a rebuilt alternator - next time I wont ignore the whinning sounds coming from it

My alternator pegged off the other day lucky i had a spare but i want more power to cover 3 batteries anyone have any suggestions. Would 100amps be enough or do i need to run 2 or just get a bigger one??

Hi nicho, tell us a bit more about your set up.

Like location of batteries, types of batteries, type of isolator ( if any ), your intended use of the batteries?