Monaco CAYMAN 2007, Manual

Page: 165 / 226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS-CHASSIS - 9
161 2007 CAYMAN
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.
NOTE:
The alternator is not designed to charge
the house batteries from a complete
discharge to a full state of charge. The
alternator will maintain the battery
charge during travel, supplying the DC
current necessary to operate running
lights or other DC loads.
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.
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Check all grounds and electrical
connections to confi rm they are clean
and tight.
- Alternator ground to chassis frame.
- Motor block ground to chassis frame.
- Chassis battery ground to chassis frame.
- Alternator positive output to isolator
relay terminal.
Inspect the alternator for damage.
Check belt pulley 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 ft. lbs.
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.
The 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 the battery state/rate of charge.
CAUTION:
The alternator is not a battery charger.
The alternator 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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TO Key s
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TO TerM. O
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DuvaC
090347b
160 Amp Alternator