GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Testing the battery isolator
Testing the battery isolator [message #189146] Sun, 04 November 2012 08:04 Go to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
Senior Member
I split this from my "BATTERY OR STARTING ISSUES" thread because the isolator is a different component. The original thread is at:

http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=24037&start=0&rid=2555

[quote title=Mike Miller wrote on Sat, 03 November 2012 11:22]
Quote:

... An isolator is just a pair of diodes. To explain the system: Think of "check valves" in an air system. Electrical juice can only flow one way and like a check valve restricts some air flow, the isolator does drop a little voltage as it works. SO... The center post is normally the input and the outer posts are normally the outputs. So, under normal operation, the center post should have higher voltage than the outer ones.

This would be cause battery charging problems if you had an alternator that regulates based on the voltage at the alternator output. (AKA: single wire alternator systems.)

Our alternator system is designed to sense the voltage on the engine battery side of the isolator, it will increase the voltage applied to the center post to make the output posts high enough to charge the batteries.

So... now that you "know" something about the system, how would YOU check the isolator?

Twisted Evil




Dang Mike, you're not supposed to put me on the spot and open me up to ridicule. I do that enough by myself. Laughing

Seriously, based on what I THINK I know (as opposed to what is the actual facts). This is how I would test the isolator.

1- Disconnect from shore power.

2- Set my meter to 25VDC (over 13 V) range

3- Put the negative lead (black) of my meter on a good ground.

4- Verify the ground by putting the positive lead of the meter (red) to the Positive terminal of the engine battery. Should read 12+ volt depending on battery state.

5- Start the engine. The voltage on the battery should increase by about 3/4 Volt. Perform same test on house battery.

If voltage does not increase at the battery (s) and the alternator is working, either the isolator OR the wiring is suspect. To test the isolator:

1- With engine running, check voltage at center lug of isolator. It should be 13.5 V or so (alternator output V)

2- Check voltage at the other two lugs. If voltage is not the same on the top and bottom lugs, then the corresponding diode has failed and the unit should be replaced (repaired??)

3- If voltage is present on the output lugs but not at the battery, the wiring or connection is bad.

To verify the shore power 120 to 12V power supply is working, shut off engine, plug into shore power (or start generator), and measure voltage at center terminal. Again, should be about 3/4V+ more than battery voltage.

OK, that is what I think I know. Until confirmed, please don't run out and rip apart your coach based on this process.

Now a question. How does battery condition effect measured voltage? Again, what I think I know is that the original BUZZ box converter will always put out the same voltage to the battery regardless of battery state (fully charged or not). I have a new 'smart' converter that is supposed to charge at lesser and lesser rates as the battery comes up to full charge. I THINK that the alternator will also charge at different rates but am not sure.

Ok, pass, fail, what?


Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #189161 is a reply to message #189146] Sun, 04 November 2012 11:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Sun, 04 November 2012 09:04

I split this from my "BATTERY OR STARTING ISSUES" thread because the isolator is a different component. The original thread is at:
<snip>
Dang Mike,
<snip>
If voltage does not increase at the battery (s) and the alternator is working, either the isolator OR the wiring is suspect. To test the isolator:

1- With engine running, check voltage at center lug of isolator. It should be 13.5 V or so (alternator output V)

2- Check voltage at the other two lugs. If voltage is not the same on the top and bottom lugs, then the corresponding diode has failed and the unit should be replaced (repaired??)

3- If voltage is present on the output lugs but not at the battery, the wiring or connection is bad.

**=> Here is a problem <=** See below
Quote:

To verify the shore power 120 to 12V power supply is working, shut off engine, plug into shore power (or start generator), and measure voltage at center terminal. Again, should be about 3/4V+ more than battery voltage.

OK, that is what I think I know. Until confirmed, please don't run out and rip apart your coach based on this process.

Now a question. How does battery condition effect measured voltage? Again, what I think I know is that the original BUZZ box converter will always put out the same voltage to the battery regardless of battery state (fully charged or not). I have a new 'smart' converter that is supposed to charge at lesser and lesser rates as the battery comes up to full charge. I THINK that the alternator will also charge at different rates but am not sure.

Ok, pass, fail, what?

Kerry,

The converter is not typically connected through the isolator.
When charge the house bank with the AC power, the measured voltage of the house bank will go to charge level (13+), the alternator stay at Zero and the engine bank will see quiescent (~12.6).

Answers to questions:
A discharged battery should not be below 11.0V, and a resting full charge will get you to 12.6V~13.0 (depending on battery electrolyte density - put 12.6 in your head).

Typical automotive alternators maintain a constant output voltage of around 14.5V.

That help?

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #189207 is a reply to message #189161] Sun, 04 November 2012 19:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
The simple way to test the isolator, if the alternator is working, is to connect the negative lead of your meter to the plate that the isolator is mounted on and probe the 3 terminals of the isolator.

The center terminal should be around 14.7 volts and the other two should be .7 volt lower or around 14.0.

Note: If you also have a combiner installed, disconnect the damn thing before taking any measurements.



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #189256 is a reply to message #189146] Mon, 05 November 2012 14:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Sun, 04 November 2012 06:04

... Seriously, based on what I THINK I know (as opposed to what is the actual facts). This is how I would test the isolator.

1- Disconnect from shore power.

2- Set my meter to 25VDC (over 13 V) range

3- Put the negative lead (black) of my meter on a good ground.

4- Verify the ground by putting the positive lead of the meter (red) to the Positive terminal of the engine battery. Should read 12+ volt depending on battery state.

5- Start the engine. The voltage on the battery should increase by about 3/4 Volt. Perform same test on house battery.

If voltage does not increase at the battery (s) and the alternator is working, either the isolator OR the wiring is suspect. To test the isolator:

1- With engine running, check voltage at center lug of isolator. It should be 13.5 V or so (alternator output V)

2- Check voltage at the other two lugs. If voltage is not the same on the top and bottom lugs, then the corresponding diode has failed and the unit should be replaced (repaired??)

3- If voltage is present on the output lugs but not at the battery, the wiring or connection is bad.

To verify the shore power 120 to 12V power supply is working, shut off engine, plug into shore power (or start generator), and measure voltage at center terminal. Again, should be about 3/4V+ more than battery voltage.

OK, that is what I think I know. Until confirmed, please don't run out and rip apart your coach based on this process.

Now a question. How does battery condition effect measured voltage? Again, what I think I know is that the original BUZZ box converter will always put out the same voltage to the battery regardless of battery state (fully charged or not). I have a new 'smart' converter that is supposed to charge at lesser and lesser rates as the battery comes up to full charge. I THINK that the alternator will also charge at different rates but am not sure.

Ok, pass, fail, what?


I finally had time to read again...

I would say "pass." But with the following comments:

-- The measured voltage on the center post should be a little higher than 13.5v as you should be around that (as charging voltage) on the outer posts.

-- I would also check the center post for zero volts with the engine not running to ensure that the isolator has not been by-passed (relatively common) or shorted (not so common).

-- From the factory the converter only charges the house battery. So you should NOT have anything on ethe input to the isolator if the engine is not running... pugged in or not. Some have added a "battery combiner" to connect the house and engine batteries when either battery has a charging voltage, but I suspect there are more coaches without than with combiners.

-- "How does battery condition effect measured voltage?" A bad battery can cause lower measurements, mostly noticed when no other voltage is being applied but can draw down even normally good charging voltages.

-- A good modern converter/charger is always a good idea over the old buzz box.



Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #189259 is a reply to message #189256] Mon, 05 November 2012 14:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
Senior Member
Thanks Mike, I think I understand now.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #229942 is a reply to message #189207] Fri, 15 November 2013 16:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Ken and others, is there a simple way to test an un installed isolator to verify if it is good?

Thanks


Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229946 is a reply to message #229942] Fri, 15 November 2013 16:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Emery Stora is currently offline  Emery Stora   United States
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Just take an ohmmeter. Touch one terminal to the center connection. Then reverse the leads. There should be no resistance one direction and infinite the other direction.

Repeat the test from the center connection to the other outer side.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick , CO

On Nov 15, 2013, at 3:54 PM, sgltrac <sgltrac@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Ken and others, is there a simple way to test an un installed isolator to verify if it is good?
>
> Thanks
> --
> Sully
> 77 Royale basket case.
> Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
> Seattle, Wa.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229947 is a reply to message #229946] Fri, 15 November 2013 17:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Thanks Emery!

Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #229948 is a reply to message #229942] Fri, 15 November 2013 17:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Cheap or free Harbor Freight Multi-meter, set for diode, test from center terminal to outside posts. Meter buzzes, good diode section. No buzz, no good. Switch leads to double check. Bad diode section equals bad isolator.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229953 is a reply to message #229948] Fri, 15 November 2013 17:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
What is the symbol for diode?

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle

> On Nov 15, 2013, at 3:04 PM, Thomas Phipps <tph1pp5@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Cheap or free Harbor Freight Multi-meter, set for diode, test from center terminal to outside posts. Meter buzzes, good diode section. No buzz, no good. Switch leads to double check. Bad diode section equals bad isolator.
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion, under forever re-construction
> Vicksburg, MS. 3.7 miles from I-20
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229954 is a reply to message #229953] Fri, 15 November 2013 17:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hardie Johnson is currently offline  Hardie Johnson   United States
Messages: 483
Registered: January 2004
Location: Raleigh NC
Karma: 0
Senior Member
sgltrac wrote on Fri, 15 November 2013 18:29

What is the symbol for diode?
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
<>

-|>- ??


Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229955 is a reply to message #229954] Fri, 15 November 2013 17:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Diode =. --I<--
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229956 is a reply to message #229953] Fri, 15 November 2013 18:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
sgltrac wrote on Fri, 15 November 2013 17:29

What is the symbol for diode?

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle






https://www.google.com/search?q=diode+symbol&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229962 is a reply to message #229942] Fri, 15 November 2013 18:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Sure, with your ohmmeter.  You should see a front to back ratio of a thousand or more.  If you have a cheeeep digital meter, it may not be capable of biasing the diode in question enough to turn it on.  Use a 12V bulb and put each half of the isolator in series wioth the bulb and battery.  One direction it should light, the other stay dark.  If it kights both ways, that diode is shorted.  If it doesn't light at all, that diode is open.
 
Basically: chassis + I<-alt->I+house, the ->I being the diodes.
 
--johnny

From: sgltrac <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator




Ken and others, is there a simple way to test an un installed isolator to verify if it is good?

Thanks
--
Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: Testing the battery isolator [message #229966 is a reply to message #189146] Fri, 15 November 2013 18:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
Another quick test ....meter on DCV engine running meter center to house side and center to chassis side. You should see about .7 in both cases. No voltage means a shorted diode on that side and greater an open.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator [message #229990 is a reply to message #229962] Fri, 15 November 2013 20:46 Go to previous message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I said simple Johnny ;)

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle

> On Nov 15, 2013, at 4:44 PM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
>
> Sure, with your ohmmeter. You should see a front to back ratio of a thousand or more. If you have a cheeeep digital meter, it may not be capable of biasing the diode in question enough to turn it on. Use a 12V bulb and put each half of the isolator in series wioth the bulb and battery. One direction it should light, the other stay dark. If it kights both ways, that diode is shorted. If it doesn't light at all, that diode is open.
>
> Basically: chassis + I<-alt->I+house, the ->I being the diodes.
>
> --johnny
>
> From: sgltrac <sgltrac@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 5:54 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Testing the battery isolator
>
>
>
>
> Ken and others, is there a simple way to test an un installed isolator to verify if it is good?
>
> Thanks
> --
> Sully
> 77 Royale basket case.
> Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
> Seattle, Wa.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Previous Topic: Hack Attempt
Next Topic: Re: [GMCnet] Insulating coach
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Mar 29 04:31:01 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02965 seconds