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Yes, but only when you have a 24v alt hooked to two batterys and a second 12v alt hooked to one(of those two) battery.
The 12v alternator HAS TO HAVE ITS OWN BATTERY. You cannot charge one of the batteries in the 24v string with a separate alternator; that will overcharge it and boil off the electrolyte. You also cannot use one of the batteries in the 24v string separately to get 12v for any serious amount of current because that will overcharge the other battery and boil it off. You have to keep the 2 batteries balanced.
A 24v battery (2 12v batteries in a series) and a 12v battery (which is really 6 2v batteries in a series) can certainly have the same ground. Any good solid connection is okay as long as you remember the chassis is shock mounted from the frame and has a ground strap somewhere to the frame. The same is true with the engine. Make sure those ground straps are good. I don't remember where the chassis-to-frame strap is but the engine-to-chassis strap is near the Right-Rear engine mount. ABSOLUTELY do not start the engine if there is any doubt that the engine-to-frame ground is solid. It can blow out things like the turn signal box, etc.
Arlyn
The 12v alternator HAS TO HAVE ITS OWN BATTERY. You cannot charge one of the batteries in the 24v string with a separate alternator; that will overcharge it and boil off the electrolyte. You also cannot use one of the batteries in the 24v string separately to get 12v for any serious amount of current because that will overcharge the other battery and boil it off. You have to keep the 2 batteries balanced.
Arlyn
Hey now, isn't that my line?you forgot harry potter has to be there too?
Why? This is EXACTLY how battery equalizers work.
I'm not sure they would know what to do with you in a church.Hey now, isn't that my line?My gawd, we now have the seat bolt, and Jesus nut. What are we coming to? I may have to go to church this Sunday and pray over this one.
no, it is not.
if you run a constant 24V through 2 batteries in series (24v) both batteries will see 12V and the same amperage if they are the same size and age. when you are putting 14.5 or so volts on one of them and 24 something through both you will drop the voltage of the 2nd battery down so that they only add up to 24 v or so. this is rough math just to give you the ideer. bottom line is that it is pretty hard on the batteries to run it like this. it may be cheaper in the long run to add one extra battery just for the 12V, and keep the 2 for the 24v nice and equal.
Yes, can't see why not.If you wanted to charge/ top off 2 extra 12V batteries you keep at home, could you just throw them in your truck, connect the pos to the other neg and run jumper cables respectivly to them and your truck batteries while you drive around all day?
I agree. I have been debating this issue for days. Your last sentence sums it up DUG.What's the price for say a 60 amp equalizer? I still think it's cheaper in the long run to add a 12 volt alt and another battery. My replacement costs on a 24 volt 1one alt is $123 - cheap enough to carry a spare.
And no matter what I run on the 12 volt side or how bad I screw it up, the truck is still gonna start and take me home.
And no matter what I run on the 12 volt side or how bad I screw it up, the truck is still gonna start and take me home.
An alternator is not equivalent to a Battery equalizer.
JasonS, this is about the 4th thread that you have debated the merits of alternators, batterys, and equalizers.
Why don't you either let it rest, or modify your MV whatever way you figure out with your "advanced degree" , and experience(or lack there of). Then post that up, instead of theories and math and whatever else you've posted lately.