Installation manual
ALTERNATORS
TESTING/TROUBLESHOOTING
SEE
WIRING
DIAGRAM
FOR
WIRE
CONNECTIONS
TO
OPTIONAL
ALTERNATORS
50
AMP
ALTERNATOR
NOTE:
FOR
CORRECT
WIRING
HARNESS
CONNECTIONS
TO
THE
ALTERNATOR,
REFER
TO
THE
WIRING
DIAGRAMS
IN
THIS
MANUAL.
DESCRIPTION
The
following infmmation applies to the standard alternators
that are supplied with
WESTERBEKE'S
Marine Engines
and Marine Generators.
ELECTRICAL
CHARGING
CIRCUIT
The
charging system consists
of
an alternator with a voltage
regulator, an engine
DC
wiring harness, a
DC
circuit breaker
and a battery with connecting cable and wires. Because
of
the use
of
integrated circuits (IC's), the electronic voltage
regulator is very compact and is mounted internally or on the
back
of
the alternator.
It is desirable to test the charging system (alternator and
voltage regulator) in the boat using the wiring harness and
electrical loads that are a permanent part
of
the system.
In-boat testing will then provide the technician with an
operational test
of
the charging system as well as the major
components
of
the electrical system.
ALTERNATOR
DESCRIPTION
The
stator is connected to a three-phase, full-wave bridge
rectifier package which contains six diodes. The b1idge
converts the AC generated in the stator to a
DC
output for
battery charging and accessories such as a radio, heater,
lights, refrigerator, depth sounder, etc.
Power to the regulator and the field
of
the integral regulator
alternator is provided
by
the field diode (or diode trio)
package contained in the alternator.
These alternators produce a rated output
of
50
or
51 amps.
Rated output is achieved at approximately
6000 alternator
rpm
at an ambient temperature
of
75°F (23.8°C).
The
alternators are designed to operate in an ambient temperature
range
of
-40° to 212°F ( -40° to 100°C).
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
The integral voltage regulator is an electronic switching
device which senses the system voltage level and switches
the voltage applied to the field in order to maintain a proper
system voltage.
The regulator design utilizes all-silicon semi conductors and
thick-film assembly
teGhniques. After the voltage has been
adjusted to the proper regulating value, the entire circuit is
encapsulated to protect the circuit and the components from
possible damage due to handling or vibration and moisture
encountered in a vessel.
ALTERNATOR
TROUBLESHOOTING
Use this troubleshooting section to determine
if
a problem
exists with the charging circuit
or
with the alternator.
If
it is
determined that the alternator
or
voltage regulator is faulty,
have a qualified technician check it.
LOW
BATTERY/FAULTY
CIRCUIT
If
the starter only moans or makes a clicking sound instead
of
spinning the engine to life it is likely a low battery or a
faulty connection in the starting circuit and not an alternator
problem.
A simple test is to
try
starting again with a cabin light on,
if
the light dims significantly or goes out, the battery is dead.
If
the light remains bright, look for a poor connection in the
starting circuit.
A
WARNING:
A
working
alternator
runs
hot.
a
failed
alternator
can
become
very
hot.
Do
not
touch
the
alternator
until
it
has
cooled.
Engines & Generators
30