Tweet
Hi All,
I am new to the forum. I've searched extensively but have not found any guidance for my issue.
I just bought a sailboat with Atomic 4 gas engine. I noticed that the alternator was not charging the batteries. When the engine was running it showed about 12V on the starter battery (brand new) and going down gradually. When battery switch is turned off, the engine stopped. The alternator output showed 2.5V whatever it means.
So, I ordered a new alternator and installed it today. It didn't not help much. Btw, I just met the previous owner and he told that he installed a second hand alternator last year, thus, I think the alternator was not a problem.
The instruction from Moyer Marine stated that I can connect the alternator output directly to the big battery cable on the started solenoid. I did that and and did the trick. Batteries started charging, the output from the alternator turned to about 14V.
Now, I want to do the wiring right. Here are my questions.
Apparently the ammeter does not work right. It's showing negative though when I turn on the blower.
I checked the wiring and it seemed to be in order. The #8 orange connected to the negative, the #8 red from the battery connected to the positive. There are also blower switch and ignition connected to the negative.
How do I change my wiring to bypass the ammeter? I have a digital voltmeter installed by the previous owner so don't really need the ammeter.
Do I need to disconnect the #8 red wire going from the ammeter to the battery bus?
Which wire gauge do I need for connecting the alternator output directly to the started solenoid? Do I need to install a fuse?
I am new to the forum. I've searched extensively but have not found any guidance for my issue.
I just bought a sailboat with Atomic 4 gas engine. I noticed that the alternator was not charging the batteries. When the engine was running it showed about 12V on the starter battery (brand new) and going down gradually. When battery switch is turned off, the engine stopped. The alternator output showed 2.5V whatever it means.
So, I ordered a new alternator and installed it today. It didn't not help much. Btw, I just met the previous owner and he told that he installed a second hand alternator last year, thus, I think the alternator was not a problem.
The instruction from Moyer Marine stated that I can connect the alternator output directly to the big battery cable on the started solenoid. I did that and and did the trick. Batteries started charging, the output from the alternator turned to about 14V.
Now, I want to do the wiring right. Here are my questions.
Apparently the ammeter does not work right. It's showing negative though when I turn on the blower.
I checked the wiring and it seemed to be in order. The #8 orange connected to the negative, the #8 red from the battery connected to the positive. There are also blower switch and ignition connected to the negative.
How do I change my wiring to bypass the ammeter? I have a digital voltmeter installed by the previous owner so don't really need the ammeter.
Do I need to disconnect the #8 red wire going from the ammeter to the battery bus?
Which wire gauge do I need for connecting the alternator output directly to the started solenoid? Do I need to install a fuse?
Comment