The Wizzard
Well Known Member
I installed an new Plane Power AL12-EI60 alternator today. The reason for doing so was because at startup my old alternator was only putting out 13.5v at about 30 amps. ( I have an Earthx battery with draws about 30-40 amps after startup until it tops off) As the current draw drops the voltage will increase but on to about 14.1 volts on the buss. The paperwork that came with this alternator says that it should put out 14.5v at all RPM's and current draw all the way up to it's rated output of 60 amps.
Why is the voltage so low at first? As the current drops the voltage comes up. At approx. 12 amp current draw my voltage is still only reading about 14.1 volts. I have checked all grounds and they have been cleaned and are making a great contact. I also checked the output voltage at the alternator and it is 14.4v with a meter and my bus voltage on the G3X was reading 13.6V. I did confirm with a volt meter that the bus voltage was reading correctly. 8 gauge wire, 4 foot run to the buss from the alternator.
Any idea what might be happening?
Why is the voltage so low at first? As the current drops the voltage comes up. At approx. 12 amp current draw my voltage is still only reading about 14.1 volts. I have checked all grounds and they have been cleaned and are making a great contact. I also checked the output voltage at the alternator and it is 14.4v with a meter and my bus voltage on the G3X was reading 13.6V. I did confirm with a volt meter that the bus voltage was reading correctly. 8 gauge wire, 4 foot run to the buss from the alternator.
Any idea what might be happening?