1810 Alternator Indicator

[Jess-HT]

My alternator indicator on the dash of my 1810 has started to glow. At low RPMs it dims and will, at idle, go off, however, as I up the RPM's it glows brightly. Being here in Middle Georgia (near Macon and Milledgeville), I finished the Deer Season by turning the ignition off immediately after cranking. I managed to go for several days without having to charge the battery, but I know that can't go on for long. I can do things like install a starter, etc., but trouble shooting this one is beyond me. I would appreciate any advice on "where to start." I would like to do it myself, if possible, for the experience. Thanks.

 

[alan-HT]

All you need is a multimeter (to check the wiring, and if it and the fan belt are OK, to check the alternator output). I don't know the 1810, but I'm sure someone will tell you the specs.

 

[winston-HT]

Your 1810 has a dynamo which can be tested by setting your multimeter to ac volts, unplugging the dynamo, touch the two probe wires to the two dynamo plug terminals and look for a 20 or so ac volt reading. Changing rpm will have effect on voltage.

 

[Jess-HT]

Winston, thanks for getting back (you too Alan). I am not real familiar with a dynamo. Could you give me a little bit of a description and where it's located? I am thinking it must be the little square box mounted on the fire wall that has the little heat loss fins on it.

 

[winston-HT]

It is sort of another name for an alternator. Your fan belt is turning it. <LINK_TEXT text="http://www.hoyetra...15&amp;Category_Code=1810ELECTRIC</LINK_TEXT>

 

[Jess-HT]

Oh Hell! Yes, I know what and where that is, Winston. I feel dumbern dirt.

 

[alan-HT]

Once your meter confirms there's a charging problem, the next question is why, and it's more likely from a faulty voltage regulator than a bad alternator.

 

[Jess-HT]

Alan, is the Voltage Regulator the square box with heat fins that sits on the firewall? I have heard it called a rectifier, but I bet it's the same thing.

 

[Norm-HT]

<QUOTE author="Jess"><s>

</s>Alan, is the Voltage Regulator the square box with heat fins that sits on the firewall? I have heard it called a rectifier, but I bet it's the same thing.<e>

/e></QUOTE>

That is the regulator, and in your case it does contain the rectifier. Some do not. In some the rectifier is in the alternator.

 

[BillH-HT]

And after checking the AC output from the alternator, the DC output from the regulator/diode board should be 13-ish (but below 14v) volts, measured at the thick Red wire that goes to the battery. You'll always need 13+ volts to keep a 12v battery charged. The glowing GEN light means that there is too much difference between the alternator output and the battery.

--Bill

 

[alan-HT]

If you replace the regulator, I think Hoye now supplies solid-state ones (last longer) -- which may have different connection wires you should get instructions on.