[Public-List] A4 alternators

[George Dinwiddie]

Gord,

Best test for a battery is a load test: Full charge; rest a day; apply a 
heavy load and see how many amp-hours it gives.

You might try a full charge from shore power and see if it works better 
than when charged from the alternator.  If you use a non-marine charger, 
disconnect both cables from the battery to save your zinc.  There might 
be stray current between the negative and the ground.

For the alternator, you can probably get it rebuilt at an automotive 
electric shop.  I did (many years ago).  They recognized it as a marine 
alternator, but had no problem with it.  I think the only difference is 
some screening for ignition protection.

  - George

Gordon Laco wrote:
> John - do you know what indicators I should look for to determine if my
> batt's are shot?
> 
> Gord
> 
> 
>  On 7/26/09 7:01 PM, "Gordon Laco" <mainstay at csolve.net> wrote:
> 
>> That may be it... My batteries are quite old and got submerged in the spring
>> due to an improperly adjusted stuffing box.
>>
>> Damn - did it admit that I did that?
>>
>> G
>>
>>
>> On 7/26/09 6:35 PM, "mahseer at kos.net" <mahseer at kos.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Before doing anything have an alternator shop check out the unit, you may
>>> have poor batteries.
>>>
>>> John Boor
>>> MAHSEER #380
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hello shipmates,
>>>>
>>>> I have come to the conclusion that my Atomic IV's alternator is dying
>>>> slowly.  It is still pumping juice back the to batteries but the flow is
>>>> now
>>>> only very slightly positive.  I think I had better formulate a plan before
>>>> it dies altogether on my some time...like on this year's Misery Trip.
>>>>
>>>> I imagine my options are to either get my existing one rebuilt, or
>>>> purchase
>>>> a new one from Moyer.  Anybody got any advice?
>>>>
>>>> Gord #426
>>>>
>>>> PS Bruno and Elise aboard HERON were just here on their way by - we had a
>>>> great dinner with them and visited on each other's boats.  They are hoping
>>>> to join us at HIRC at Hope Island 14-16 Aug.

-- 
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   When I remember bygone days                         George Dinwiddie
   I think how evening follows morn;            gdinwiddie at alberg30.org
   So many I loved were not yet dead,           http://www.Alberg30.org
   So many I love were not yet born.                          also see:
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