Alternator over charge

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Wvcoalpacker, Nov 19, 2019.

  1. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    I have a 09 389 peterbilt that I put a c15 in about a year ago and everything has been fine until now. Starting a couple of weeks ago every time it rains it starts over charging. It has cooked 2 batteries so far. I’ve changed the alternator twice and all the cables from and to the batteries and the starter.. even put an extra ground to the alternator. I switched all 3 batteries out with another truck I have and still same. I am at my wits end.. can anybody please help?
     
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  3. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Gauge issue? Have you put a quality meter on it to confirm it actually is overcharging? What brand are you using for replacment alternator? Have you tried a different brand or the same?
     
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  4. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    I’ll have to check and see what brand of alternator it is.. I just usually take whatever brand my local peterbilt store sends me. I have put a multimeter on it to confirm it and the gauge is right. It goes up to around 15.7 and after a few minutes in the dry it goes down to 14.5 at the batteries and 14.6 at the alternator.
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Does the alternator have an external regulator or a voltage sensing wire? I'd be inspecting those.
     
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  6. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    Last edited: Nov 20, 2019
  7. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    I don’t have the voltage sensor wire but it’s never had that wire. I have always thought it wouldn’t go over 14.5 anyway.
    I’ll try putting a wire on it and see what that does. It just goes from batteries back to alternator right?
     
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  8. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    Double check the cables connecting your batteries. Can have one go bad and the alt is trying to compensate for what it thinks is a dead battery.
     
  9. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    I changed all cables even the jumpers from battery to battery.
     
  10. Wvcoalpacker

    Wvcoalpacker Bobtail Member

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    Well I guess you were right, I ran a wire from the batteries to the bottom post on the alternator and it's charging at 14.1 and I've sprayed it with the garden hose and it doesn't change. Thank you !
     
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  11. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    nevermind.. op fixed it
     
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