Alternator question

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by flatlander2010, Oct 1, 2014.

  1. flatlander2010

    flatlander2010 Bobtail Member

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    Replaced the alternator on my 02 volvo vnm with a n14 today. There was what looked to be a fuseable link running between the hot and ground studs. Didnt see the point in it so left it off the new one. Battery light comes on in the dash but the computer reading says 13.5-14 volts as does my handheld at the alternator and battery. Any ideas on the purpose of the wire is and the light? image.jpg image.jpg
     
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  3. DBrass

    DBrass Bobtail Member

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    I'm not familiar with Volvo, but could this fusable link instead be a diode?
     
  4. flatlander2010

    flatlander2010 Bobtail Member

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    Possible. Just assumed it was a fuseable link.
     
  5. Raiderfanatic

    Raiderfanatic Heavy Load Member

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    Why wouldn't you put it back on? If it was on originally, I'd think it probably should be on but......
     
  6. Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    That's my thought as well, it was on there for a purpose.
     
  7. DBrass

    DBrass Bobtail Member

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    Diodes allow current to pass in only one direction.

    Again, I'm unfamiliar with Volvo. Most mechanics will always replace both alternator and regulator. Some voltage regulators are bolted on to the body, and some are inside of the alternator. Something else I'd look for is a lose or broken ground wire. Most vehicles have a thick ground to the engine and one to the frame, cab, & or firewall (classic problem causing dim headlights).
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2014
  8. GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    I think that it is a capacitor, but don't quote me on that. It is not a fuseable link if it goes from the positive to negative, it would just blow if it was a fuseable link. I don't see any purpose for a diode to be there. A capacitor to surpress noise from the alternator is the only thing that makes sense to me right now.
     
    Heavyd Thanks this.
  9. 55_cans

    55_cans Light Load Member

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    GrapeApe's suggestion of a noise suppression capacitor makes the most sense. The truck battery acts like a capacitor but doesn't filter (smooth) high frequency noise. A capacitor connected in parallel will. Wonder if you have something on your truck that generates high frequency noise (pulses), like a dc-dc convertor 12 to 24, or 24 to 12?
     
  10. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I have a question about grounding the alternator itself, I ran a battery cable from the ground stud of the alternator to the block, or should I have run it the the chassis(frame) instead,.. for the best ground.
     
  11. DBrass

    DBrass Bobtail Member

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    Usually the battery itself is bolted to the engine block (for starting), with others to the cab and frame.
     
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