GMCforum: GMCnet » Simaler generator light stays on full time?

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Simaler generator light stays on full time?

Show: Today's Messages :: Polls :: Message Navigator

Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68624]

Mon, 28 December 2009 11:18

gmcdude76

Messages: 102
Registered: December 2009
Location: Northern Ca

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Hello,

When i bought my 76 Birchaven 23 footer i had it inspected at a shop before i made my offer.they told me the genearator light stays on but it wouldent effect the coach.short history it sat for 8 years.with the owners driving it once a month to keep it up.I have had it a few months now this is what it does.

The coach has trojon house batterys 125 i think.they were dying but i found out after 3 shops tested my batterys and chargin system i had bone dry cells in each of the batterys.i filled them up with simply tap water and they seem to hold a charge.(was going to replace them)but they drop just enough to not be able to turn over the onan genererator if i need power.i couldent beleive one of the shops dident come across the dry cells Confused

But if i turn over the engine it charges them up for a few days then while sitting in storage they slighty discharge just enough to no kick over the generator.i have disconnected anything that the former owner had on the fuse block.cleaned up any wireing that wasent doing anything etc.

The 12 volt engine battery works fine and i can run the sterio for long periods without killing it.it does have a battery isolater so according to what i read up on.i may put in a new one and see if it dosent solve the issue.the house baterys are pretty old so it might be time to replace them.

Thanks

Gmc76Birchaven 23'94947

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68630 is a reply to message #68624]

Mon, 28 December 2009 11:54

powerjon

Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Don,
The batteries are basically dead players and with the dry cells and
the fact that you put tap water instead of distilled water means you
need to replace them. You cannot hold enough of a charge to start the
onan. Sam's club has a 6 volt batteries that are an excellent
replacement and they are around $70 each. Next you need to address
your charging system. Why did it boil out the batteries? If you
still have the old original Buzz Box charger you need to consider
replacing it with a newer style with charge control. A good
replacement would be a Progressive Dynamics 40 or 50 amp with charge
wizard. Personally I use my old buzz box to run yard lights.

http://tinyurl.com/ykn6ysr

J.R. Wright

On Dec 28, 2009, at 12:18 PM, Don wrote:

>
>
> Hello,
>
> When i bought my 76 Birchaven 23 footer i had it inspected at a shop
> before i made my offer.they told me the genearator light stays on
> but it wouldent effect the coach.short history it sat for 8
> years.with the owners driving it once a month to keep it up.I have
> had it a few months now this is what it does.
>
> The coach has trojon house batterys 125 i think.they were dying but
> i found out after 3 shops tested my batterys and chargin system i
> had bone dry cells in each of the batterys.i filled them up with
> simply tap water and they seem to hold a charge.(was going to
> replace them)but they drop just enough to not be able to turn over
> the onan genererator if i need power.i couldent beleive one of the
> shops dident come across the dry cells :?
>
> But if i turn over the engine it charges them up for a few days then
> while sitting in storage they slighty discharge just enough to no
> kick over the generator.i have disconnected anything that the former
> owner had on the fuse block.cleaned up any wireing that wasent doing
> anything etc.
>
> The 12 volt engine battery works fine and i can run the sterio for
> long periods without killing it.it does have a battery isolater so
> according to what i read up on.i may put in a new one and see if it
> dosent solve the issue.the house baterys are pretty old so it might
> be time to replace them.
>
> Thanks
> --
> http://donsgmcdudes76photos.shutterfly.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68631 is a reply to message #68624]

Mon, 28 December 2009 11:55

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

the way to test the batteries is to charge them up ( with the GMC or a
charger. then remove the neg terminal, and let them sit for days to a week,

then measure the voltage. If they rundown with out any load they are tired
and will need to be replaced.

if they are still charged, they you have a leaking load and you will have to
find it. you can put a small test light between the ground cable and the
neg battery terminal. If it lights remove things until the light goes out.

good luck
gene

On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 9:18 AM, Don <mr_donberman@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hello,
>
> When i bought my 76 Birchaven 23 footer i had it inspected at a shop before
> i made my offer.they told me the genearator light stays on but it wouldent
> effect the coach.short history it sat for 8 years.with the owners driving it
> once a month to keep it up.I have had it a few months now this is what it
> does.
>
> The coach has trojon house batterys 125 i think.they were dying but i found
> out after 3 shops tested my batterys and chargin system i had bone dry cells
> in each of the batterys.i filled them up with simply tap water and they seem
> to hold a charge.(was going to replace them)but they drop just enough to not
> be able to turn over the onan genererator if i need power.i couldent beleive
> one of the shops dident come across the dry cells :?
>
> But if i turn over the engine it charges them up for a few days then while
> sitting in storage they slighty discharge just enough to no kick over the
> generator.i have disconnected anything that the former owner had on the fuse
> block.cleaned up any wireing that wasent doing anything etc.
>
> The 12 volt engine battery works fine and i can run the sterio for long
> periods without killing it.it does have a battery isolater so according to
> what i read up on.i may put in a new one and see if it dosent solve the
> issue.the house baterys are pretty old so it might be time to replace them.
>
> Thanks
> --
> http://donsgmcdudes76photos.shutterfly.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
�Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68726 is a reply to message #68624]

Tue, 29 December 2009 08:02

Jim Bounds

Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004

Karma: 0

Senior Member

You might want to consider replacing those batteries.� As voltage drops, current needed to do the same job increases-- current creates heat, burning stuff, melting stuff and all of that.� Ifyour batteries are not holding a charge well this means every time you fire up the engine your alternator is being whipped hard.� This is not a good thing for your alternator, isolator, cables or any part of the electrical system.� When you have a bad battery in your circuits, radios can go bad, your power convert can be damaged and low voltahe to startyour generator is not good for the starter.� Those Trojan batteries can really screw things up if one gives up and shorts out.� Batteries can blow up!� You do not need to put hi dollar batteries in your coach if you do not need them, A Wal-Mart marine battery for the living area and a car battery of 750CCA and up is fine and I bet your coach will work better than propping up those old batteries.

What I would consider,

Jim Bounds
---------------------

----- Original Message ----
From: Don <mr_donberman@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, December 28, 2009 12:18:40 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time?

Hello,

When i bought my 76 Birchaven 23 footer i had it inspected at a shop before i made my offer.they told me the genearator light stays on but it wouldent effect the coach.short history it sat for 8 years.with the owners driving it once a month to keep it up.I have had it a few months now this is what it does.

The coach has trojon house batterys 125 i think.they were dying but i found out after 3 shops tested my batterys and chargin system i had bone dry cells in each of the batterys.i filled them up with simply tap water and they seem to hold a charge.(was going to replace them)but they drop just enough to not be able to turn over the onan genererator if i need power.i couldent beleive one of the shops dident come across the dry cells :?

But if i turn over the engine it charges them up for a few days then while sitting in storage they slighty discharge just enough to no kick over the generator.i have disconnected anything that the former owner had on the fuse block.cleaned up any wireing that wasent doing anything etc.

The 12 volt engine battery works fine and i can run the sterio for long periods without killing it.it does have a battery isolater so according to what i read up on.i may put in a new one and see if it dosent solve the issue.the house baterys are pretty old so it might be time to replace them.

Thanks
--
http://donsgmcdudes76photos.shutterfly.com� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Report message to a moderator

Re: Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68741 is a reply to message #68624]

Tue, 29 December 2009 10:52

gmcdude76

Messages: 102
Registered: December 2009
Location: Northern Ca

Karma: 1

Senior Member

I really appreciate all the great input here.

the thing that makes the most sence is to replace the isolater.if its 8 years old it may be bad and cousing the drain.i happen to have one i got for my toyhauler.not sure what voltage it is.ill check it and replace it.

Jim ment things melting and i noticed when installing the sound system i put in.the main trunk line(gmc)shows some damage coming from the fuse block or engine.it shows outer signs of being to hot or melting.but upon further examination it seemed to be intacked.

It looked as tho it had cought fire but only the outer raping was burned.still dident see any esposed wires.it also has a car alarm thats been disabled and i have now idea if it works.i tried to hook it up to see if it was good.it dident seem to work.I tried to clean up any unknown wireing and remove it.

Ive mostly worked on the interior wireing tracing it all and also on the engine as well.seeing if any is damaged cut or no good.i am no mech by anymeans but can follow simple diagrams schematics etc.

Very Happy

Gmc76Birchaven 23'94947

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68815 is a reply to message #68741]

Tue, 29 December 2009 18:14

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

you really need to put on the APC. It will prevent false indications by the
alternator light.

the function of the alternator light is to show that the battery voltage is
higher than the alternator output. It should only light when the key is on
and the alternator is not running.

http://www.gmcmotorhome.info/engine.html#alternator

the problem may not be the isolator.

also,

in this article, it talks about a fuse that will cause a dim alternator
light if it is blown

*10 AMP dash instrument gauge fuse was blown*. The fuse provides 12 volts
to one side of that lamp and if it is blown it does not have 12 volts there.

gene

you should put a

On Tue, Dec 29, 2009 at 8:52 AM, Don <mr_donberman@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> I really appreciate all the great input here.
>
> the thing that makes the most sence is to replace the isolater.if its 8
> years old it may be bad and cousing the drain.i happen to have one i got for
> my toyhauler.not sure what voltage it is.ill check it and replace it.
>
> Jim ment things melting and i noticed when installing the sound system i
> put in.the main trunk line(gmc)shows some damage coming from the fuse block
> or engine.it shows outer signs of being to hot or melting.but upon further
> examination it seemed to be intacked.
>
> It looked as tho it had cought fire but only the outer raping was
> burned.still dident see any esposed wires.it also has a car alarm thats
> been disabled and i have now idea if it works.i tried to hook it up to see
> if it was good.it dident seem to work.I tried to clean up any unknown
> wireing and remove it.
>
> Ive mostly worked on the interior wireing tracing it all and also on the
> engine as well.seeing if any is damaged cut or no good.i am no mech by
> anymeans but can follow simple diagrams schematics etc.
>
> :d :d
> --
> http://donsgmcdudes76photos.shutterfly.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
�Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Simaler generator light stays on full time? [message #68849 is a reply to message #68815]

Wed, 30 December 2009 01:01

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

Isolators are either good or bad. Get a voltmeter. Start the engine. Connect the black negative lead to ground. The metal plate that the isolator is mounted on is a good ground.

Use the other (red) lead and read the voltage on all three terminals of the isolator.

The center terminal should be around 14.7 volts.
The top and bottom terminals should be around 14.0 volts. I do not care if any of these are off by .5 volts.

If you are not getting these readings, tell us what you have and we will go from there.

Ken B.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

Report message to a moderator

Previous Topic:	[GMCnet] My Brakes Have Faded Away
Next Topic:	No Start problem/Electrical

Goto Forum:

-=] Back to Top [=-

Current Time: Sat Oct 05 02:31:38 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01337 seconds