Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Battery Boost Switch operation (premature alternator failure)
| Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219157] |
Mon, 19 August 2013 19:30  |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Hello all, Just got back from our first official Colonial Travelers Rally in beautiful Wyoming, PA Grace and Dick Missett were wonderful hosts, the company was welcoming, the weather was phenomenal and the food was too.
Upon arrival at Frances Slocum State Park, pulling in to register, a quick "flump" from the engine and a slight rpm change, the alt light began to glowed dimly I thought I threw an alternator belt, I had been struggling with a squeal and was believing I overtightened it...kept the engine running, and took a quick peek, she was still spinning. Once plugged in I flipped the boost button to charge the engine battery...I've kind of gotten into the habit since I left the radio on once or twice and killed the engine battery. Upon leaving the glow was gone, I wrote it off to gremlins...108 mile trip home was uneventful. Checked voltage when got home because engine was slow to crank when I restarted, only 12.5 V, turned on lights and voltage began to drop. Advance Auto Parts tried to spin it on the bench but failed the "light test" and would not proceed.
My engine and "rebuilt in China" Delco only have about 250 miles. could leaving the boost switch on while plugged in prematurely burn out the alternator? Or is this a replace till you get a good one scenario? Anything else I should check? rewire radio into house circuit?
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
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| Re: Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219165 is a reply to message #219157] |
Mon, 19 August 2013 20:13  |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Should not be related. The Alt diodes don't know if there are one or 2 bats. I would add a Yandina combiner as your early coach should have the non momentary boost which if left on accidentally will drain both sides. Only thing would be if your converter put very high voltage back to the alt but your batteries would be cooked
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219171 is a reply to message #219157] |
Mon, 19 August 2013 20:27 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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A number of folks seem to have problems with rebuilt alternators. Some time ago I got 2 Caddie 100 amp alternators at the wrecking yard I just repair them when needed with parts from napa on occasion I keep the spare behind the medicine cabinet .as far as the radio goes I connected mine to the house battery so I wouldn't run down the starting battery.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219192 is a reply to message #219171] |
Mon, 19 August 2013 23:55 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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People keep talking about their house battery. It seems to me you would keep it in the gmc.
what good is it in the house.
Mickey :-)
a blonde keeps going out to her mail box and the guy next door sez, why you keep going to the mail box
all the time, she states my computer sez i have mail.
anaheim ca. 77 palm beach.
On Aug 19, 2013, at 6:27 PM, roy@gmcnet.org, keen@gmcnet.org, Minden@gmcnet.org, Nv '76 Glenbrook wrote:
>
>
> A number of folks seem to have problems with rebuilt alternators. Some time ago I got 2 Caddie 100 amp alternators at the wrecking yard I just repair them when needed with parts from napa on occasion I keep the spare behind the medicine cabinet .as far as the radio goes I connected mine to the house battery so I wouldn't run down the starting battery.
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219207 is a reply to message #219192] |
Tue, 20 August 2013 05:42 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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I have moved most if not all non-engine related 12v needs to my up front house battery. No sense in allowing the radio drain the ability to start the engine.
House battery is direct to standard radio and Ham Radio, and an auxiliary 12v outlet for GPS, etc (actually 3 additional outlets, one a round 12v outlet and two Anderson Power Poles, all installed in passenger side wall. Looks almost OEM.).
Combiner helps make them play nice. Thanks to Gene for the across the isolator installation concept.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219214 is a reply to message #219213] |
Tue, 20 August 2013 07:38 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Quick answer, place the two battery leads of the combiner , one to each end pole on the isolater. Very simple combiner installation. I'm sure someone will link to the photo of this.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219650 is a reply to message #219640] |
Fri, 23 August 2013 18:34 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Todd, I know that the 73 was a latched switch and by the time the 76 came
out they were unlatched.
On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 4:20 PM, Todd Perkins <taperk@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> JohnL455 wrote on Mon, 19 August 2013 21:13
> > Should not be related. The Alt diodes don't know if there are one or 2
> bats. I would add a Yandina combiner as your early coach should have the
> non momentary boost which if left on accidentally will drain both sides.
> Only thing would be if your converter put very high voltage back to the
> alt but your batteries would be cooked
>
>
>
> Are some boost switches momentary and some not? I have a '76 and thought
> it was latched but now it is momentary. what "should" it be?
>
> thanks
>
> Todd
> --
> Todd
>
> New owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
> other toys:
> 94 Vette
> 84 Goldwing
> 72 CB750 Chopper
> 96 Caprice Classic
> and gone but not forgotten 34 Ford roadster
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
51st State? Northern Colorado!
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219653 is a reply to message #219650] |
Fri, 23 August 2013 18:54 |
Emery Stora
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
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The Transmodes also came with a latched switch.
Emery Stora
On Aug 23, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Bruce Hart <hartsgmc@gmail.com> wrote:
> Todd, I know that the 73 was a latched switch and by the time the 76 came
> out they were unlatched.
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 4:20 PM, Todd Perkins <taperk@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> JohnL455 wrote on Mon, 19 August 2013 21:13
>>> Should not be related. The Alt diodes don't know if there are one or 2
>> bats. I would add a Yandina combiner as your early coach should have the
>> non momentary boost which if left on accidentally will drain both sides.
>> Only thing would be if your converter put very high voltage back to the
>> alt but your batteries would be cooked
>>
>>
>>
>> Are some boost switches momentary and some not? I have a '76 and thought
>> it was latched but now it is momentary. what "should" it be?
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> Todd
>> --
>> Todd
>>
>> New owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’
>> other toys:
>> 94 Vette
>> 84 Goldwing
>> 72 CB750 Chopper
>> 96 Caprice Classic
>> and gone but not forgotten 34 Ford roadster
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> 51st State? Northern Colorado!
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219695 is a reply to message #219685] |
Sat, 24 August 2013 08:28 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Our 74 Sequoia has a latched switch. I like it that way. If it had a
momentary switch I would change it to the latched version.
to each his own
but
you should never have to touch the boost switch
if you do, there is something wrong :>)
and a combiner is automatic
gene
On Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 4:57 AM, Erv Troyer <reo43@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> Broham wrote on Fri, 23 August 2013 17:20
> > Are some boost switches momentary and some not? I have a '76 and
> thought it was latched but now it is momentary. what "should" it be?
> >
> > thanks
> > Todd
>
> Our 74 Sequoia has a latched switch. I like it that way. If it had a
> momentary switch I would change it to the latched version.
>
> Yeah, yeah, I know - if I forget tp turn off the switch I'll run both
> batteries down. That's nobody's fault but mine, and I will learn not to do
> that again. :(
> --
> Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
> 74 Sequoia
> reo43@aol.com
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--
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219697 is a reply to message #219695] |
Sat, 24 August 2013 08:41 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Mr ERFisher wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 09:28 |
Erv wrote:
Our 74 Sequoia has a latched switch. I like it that way.
If it had a momentary switch I would change it to the latched version.
Gene wrote:
to each his own
but
you should never have to touch the boost switch
if you do, there is something wrong :>)
and a combiner is automatic
gene
|
Gene,
While I agree that one should never HAVE to use the boost switch, it is handy to use when the coach is on shore power over the winter. Some days, when I am doing things inside the coach, I will set it and then clear it when I quit. It is already there and infinitely more reliable that any combiner.
If I had not had to remove or replace as many combiners (Yandina and others) as I have, I might have a different opinion.
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219830 is a reply to message #219697] |
Sun, 25 August 2013 01:22 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 08:41 |
| Mr ERFisher wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 09:28 |
Erv wrote:
Our 74 Sequoia has a latched switch. I like it that way.
If it had a momentary switch I would change it to the latched version.
Gene wrote:
to each his own
but
you should never have to touch the boost switch
if you do, there is something wrong :>)
and a combiner is automatic
gene
|
Gene,
While I agree that one should never HAVE to use the boost switch, it is handy to use when the coach is on shore power over the winter. Some days, when I am doing things inside the coach, I will set it and then clear it when I quit. It is already there and infinitely more reliable that any combiner.
If I had not had to remove or replace as many combiners (Yandina and others) as I have, I might have a different opinion.
Matt
|
I have now diagnosed or replaced 3 bad combiners on GMCs and I do not even own one. The first thing I suggest to people when troubleshooting things in that area and they have both an isolator and a combiner is to remove it. Then go shoot your problems. You can reinstall it later if desired.
All three I found bad did not have an isolator. Two of them would not combine and charge the house batteries from the engine driven alternator. The other one was combining all the time and both sets of batteries were self discharging over time. I believe the failure rate on them is fairly high and there are not many of them out there on GMCs and so it is unusual for me to see three GMC failures.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch operation [message #219849 is a reply to message #219830] |
Sun, 25 August 2013 07:48 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I have 4
For 10 years
Never lost one
Have installed 6
Find them more than reliable
So take your pick
Gene
On Saturday, August 24, 2013, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 08:41
>> Mr ERFisher wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 09:28
>> > Erv wrote:
>> > Our 74 Sequoia has a latched switch. I like it that way.
>> > If it had a momentary switch I would change it to the latched version.
>> >
>> > Gene wrote:
>> > to each his own
>> > but
>> > you should never have to touch the boost switch
>> > if you do, there is something wrong :>)
>> > and a combiner is automatic
>> >
>> > gene
>>
>> Gene,
>>
>> While I agree that one should never HAVE to use the boost switch, it is
handy to use when the coach is on shore power over the winter. Some days,
when I am doing things inside the coach, I will set it and then clear it
when I quit. It is already there and infinitely more reliable that any
combiner.
>>
>> If I had not had to remove or replace as many combiners (Yandina and
others) as I have, I might have a different opinion.
>>
>> Matt
>
> I have now diagnosed or replaced 3 bad combiners on GMCs and I do not
even own one. The first thing I suggest to people when troubleshooting
things in that area and they have both an isolator and a combiner is to
remove it. Then go shoot your problems. You can reinstall it later if
desired.
>
> All three I found bad did not have an isolator. Two of them would not
combine and charge the house batteries from the engine driven alternator.
The other one was combining all the time and both sets of batteries were
self discharging over time. I believe the failure rate on them is fairly
high and there are not many of them out there on GMCs and so it is unusual
for me to see three GMC failures.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List 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
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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