Alternator problem on Sea Como No
I've had 3 alternator failures, including one fire caused by a short that ignited the plastic case on the French alternator(Valero or Paris-Rhone, I think).
On my trip Monday to Catalina, the alternator failed to come up to charge voltage. Previously, it had been requiring a "fast idle" to get going, but this time, nothing doing. I have it in the shop being checked out now but I determined that it would kick in OK with a direct connection to the batteries, but not with the voltage available from the instrument panel. This is from a brown wire that comes out of the back of the warning panel on my 1999 with a A41 diesel, but is only about 3 volts??? Does anyone know if this is normal?
Also, has anyone had success adding a second alternator to the port side? I have tried to replace the Valero with a Prestolite or equivalent but it looks too difficult to make it fit onto the Volvo mounting locations.
Dave, on Sea Como No
Thanks for alternator tips
Many thanks guys. The Allcoast info is a big help. I'll check out the Balmar alternator with a 3 stage reg. My only remaining concern is: "Will the alarm still work?"
Dave, on Sea Como No.