Alternator died?

[agood1]

Went out yesterday to start the truck and the batteries were dead. Jumped it off and found the voltage was low. Checked the voltage at the alternator and it was 23.82 volts with the truck running, didn't change with the truck off either. So I assume the alternator died.

It was working fine the day before, but I was working on my heater install and when I pulled the coolant plug from the water pump to install my heater hoses, coolant ran all over the alternator. I would think these alternators could stand a little water and coolant....

Is there something else it could be?
I need to have it in proper working order by wednesday...as I have a trip planned on Friday with the truck.

Anyone near the Atlanta, Ga area got a spare alternator?

Thanks

 

[x-ray]

If you look at the generator, you will see a screw that says (if its clean enough) "turn to adjust voltage" You might try that, but that screw might be frozen and it says "do not use lubricant" on the screw so use a good quality drive/bit.

Best of luck to you and have a safe trip.

 

[agood1]

Does anyone make a rebuild kit for these alternators?

 

[desertfox]

Convert it to 24 volt delco. Sermis has the kit which is real reasonable.

 

[doghead]

http://www.cmearma.com/ Easily found with a search

 

[agood1]

SS search or web search? I tried countless web searchs and found nothing. I have emailed these guys to see what they offer.

 

[doghead]

CME has been brought up several times, here on SS site. Local repair shops also may be able to help you.

You might also try Googling the Alternator manufacturers name, and model number.

 

[agood1]

Thanks,

Never heard of CME until you posted this link.

I have called a couple local shops and they said they would look at it, but from what I have read on SS the parts seem to be very expensive.....one vendor that offers a conversion kit told me that the regulator for the original alternator costs $175.

 

[doghead]

A known, good used alternator, may be your best economical choice.

 

[doghead]

Have you tried to adjust the voltage output potentiometer? I have resurrected an alt or two, simply by resetting the max voltage setting.

 

[agood1]

I got a used one from Taylor Trading Co. The truck is back running and charging again. I just thought I would get my old one rebuilt and keep is as a spare. If it could be rebuilt for a reasonable price. I can do it myself if I could find the parts.

 

[clinto]

http://www.cmearma.com/ Easily found with a search

That is the worst website I have ever seen!

 

[uscgmatt]

 

[stumps]

One thing to note, these alternators will not make any voltage if the batteries are missing, or are really dead.... even if you jump them. The alternator needs to draw some current at 24V from the battery, to power its field winding, before it can produce power.

-Chuck

 

[agood1]

That is the worst website I have ever seen!

I must agree, but I am a noobie here and didn't want to stir the pot.

 

[agood1]

One thing to note, these alternators will not make any voltage if the batteries are missing, or are really dead.... even if you jump them. The alternator needs to draw some current at 24V from the battery, to power its field winding, before it can produce power.

-Chuck

You bring up a good point...I never thought about the field not having enough voltage. HHMMM, wonder if maybe my old one is still good, guess I will need to find a place to have it tested.

Thanks!

 

[armadillofz1]

mine died as well, i have 26+ volts accross both batteries, and voltage drops a bit when its running (fuel pump etc), but does not recharge. i have the 60amp alternator in mine. is this a common thing with these trucks..

 

[CARNAC]

Here's another question about this. After starting the vehicle the battery switch is turned off (ie so you don't hear the air buzzer), how does this affect the battery??

 

[mdmorgan]

Here's another question about this. After starting the vehicle the battery switch is turned off (ie so you don't hear the air buzzer), how does this affect the battery??

can't answer the question, but i've never thought about doing that, that buzzer gets annoying. quess i'll wait to see if it causes any problems 1st before i try it though.

 

[Speddmon]

Here's another question about this. After starting the vehicle the battery switch is turned off (ie so you don't hear the air buzzer), how does this affect the battery??

From looking at the schematics, it shouldn't hurt a thing. Unless I missed something along the way, when you turn the master switch off, you take away the 24 volts feeding the field, thereby eliminating any charge going back to the batteries. Since you have the master switch off, there is no draw on the batteries so all should be good