Born2Travel
Well-known member
I have a 99 P30 chassis with a 7.4 engine.
When we were ready to depart our summer gig I noticed the alternator wasn't alternating and it failed the battery disconnect test. To get to our summer gig we drove to the middle of no where an turned left for another 45 miles. So, needless to say trying to get a new part was a thrill. We were able to get the old alternator rebuilt. When I installed it I noticed the dash voltage gauge wasn't reading anything. The alternator passed the battery disconnect so we headed home. When I would engage the emergency start switch the gauge would read the charge with enough voltage to indicate the alternator was in fact alternating. I put a load on the coach batteries (no shore power or generator on) and the alternator charges the coach batteries back up. Once home I stared at the thing and that didn't fix it.
So far, I have had the alternator tested at two places and it passed. The batteries are holding a charge but the chassis battery doesn't seem to be taking a charge from the alternator and the gauge is dead unless the coach batteries are engaged. The battery isolators seem to be doing their thing and the ground is clean and grounding, and all battery terminals have been cleaned. I can't find a fusible link between anywhere. Please note I didn't say there wasn't one - I just can't find one.
Before I start chasing the gremlin, with great vigor, I want to make sure there isn't something simple I am missing. Luckily I have until spring to catch the little dickens. Any direction would be most appreciated.
When we were ready to depart our summer gig I noticed the alternator wasn't alternating and it failed the battery disconnect test. To get to our summer gig we drove to the middle of no where an turned left for another 45 miles. So, needless to say trying to get a new part was a thrill. We were able to get the old alternator rebuilt. When I installed it I noticed the dash voltage gauge wasn't reading anything. The alternator passed the battery disconnect so we headed home. When I would engage the emergency start switch the gauge would read the charge with enough voltage to indicate the alternator was in fact alternating. I put a load on the coach batteries (no shore power or generator on) and the alternator charges the coach batteries back up. Once home I stared at the thing and that didn't fix it.
So far, I have had the alternator tested at two places and it passed. The batteries are holding a charge but the chassis battery doesn't seem to be taking a charge from the alternator and the gauge is dead unless the coach batteries are engaged. The battery isolators seem to be doing their thing and the ground is clean and grounding, and all battery terminals have been cleaned. I can't find a fusible link between anywhere. Please note I didn't say there wasn't one - I just can't find one.
Before I start chasing the gremlin, with great vigor, I want to make sure there isn't something simple I am missing. Luckily I have until spring to catch the little dickens. Any direction would be most appreciated.