Cayman 2006
Electrical Systems - Chassis — Section 9 • 211
The alternator replaces amp hours the chassis battery used to start the engine. The amount of charge the
alternator sends to the chassis battery is dependent on the amount of time the engine is operated. Repeatedly
starting the engine for short periods may not be enough operating time to adequately replace the amp hours the
chassis battery uses to start the engine.
The function of the alternator is an electrical system
voltage maintainer, not a battery charger. When the
engine is operating, the alternator maintains electrical
system voltage relative to a load, such as headlights and
windshield wipers. When a heavy load is placed on the
alternator, such as trying to charge dead house batteries,
the operating temperature of the alternator will increase.
Excess operating temperature of the alternator for
extended periods of operation can lead to premature failure
of the alternator. If the house batteries are in a low state
of charge, it is recommended to charge the house batteries
with the inverter or an auxiliary battery charger before
driving the motorhome.
CAUTION:
Long-term use of the inverter to operate the microwave while in transit will damage the
alternator. Use the generator to operate the microwave while in transit.
Alternator Testing Procedure
Alternator Testing:
• Check all wiring for burnt or loose electrical connections. Repair as needed.
• Check all grounds and electrical connections to confi rm they are clean and tight.
A. Alternator ground to chassis frame.
B. Motor block ground to chassis frame.
C. Chassis battery ground to chassis frame.
D. Alternator positive output to isolator center terminal.
• Inspect the alternator for damage. A broken fan blade can damage an alternator or throw it out of balance.
• Check belt, pulley and fan for wear. Replace as needed.
• Do not disconnect the battery, or battery wire, from the alternator with the engine running as this can
damage the alternator or regulator.
• The pulley for the alternator should be torqued to 80 foot pounds.
• Chassis battery voltage with the engine off should range from 12.2 to 12.7 Volt DC.
• Chassis battery voltage with the engine at idle should range 13.5 to 14.2 Volts DC.
• Output of the alternator range is 13.6 to 15.4 Volts DC. Connect a volt meter to the (B+) terminal of the
alternator and chassis ground. Idle the engine up to 1200 RPM.
• Connect a clamp-on amp-meter, if available, to the positive battery cable to verify battery state/rate of charge.
NOTE:
The alternator is not a battery charger. It is designed to maintain proper electrical system
voltage. A battery with a low state of charge, or a dead battery, may overheat and damage
the alternator.
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090347b
Summary of Contents for Cayman 2006
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Page 59: ...Cayman 2006 Driving Safety Section 2 51 Weight Label 100179d ...
Page 65: ...Cayman 2006 Driving Safety Section 2 57 Actual Worksheet 020255b ...
Page 66: ...58 Section 2 Driving Safety Cayman 2006 Weight Record Sheet ...
Page 72: ...64 Section 2 Driving Safety Cayman 2006 NOTES ...
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Page 174: ...166 Section 6 Water Systems Cayman 2006 NOTES ...
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Page 190: ...182 Section 7 LP Gas Systems Cayman 2006 NOTES ...
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Page 212: ...204 Section 8 Electrical Systems House Cayman 2006 NOTES ...
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Page 287: ...Cayman 2006 Chassis Information Section 10 279 METRIC U S CONVERSION CHART ...
Page 289: ...Cayman 2006 Chassis Information Section 10 281 ...
Page 290: ...282 Section 10 Chassis Information Cayman 2006 ...
Page 291: ...Cayman 2006 Chassis Information Section 10 283 NOTES ...
Page 293: ...Cayman 2006 INDEX ...
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Page 300: ...292 Index Cayman 2006 NOTES ...