A few years ago I replaced the original stock 35 amp Motorola with the 55 amp API alternator. The voltage at the batteries seemed to inch up very slowly when recharging. I assumed that the Motorola was worn.
For the most part, the API doesn't charge any faster. After a few hours of motoring it gets up to about 13.5 volts, so when I am on a two week cruise, the batteries are only partially charged.
Looking at the wiring, I see that there is an orange wire that runs from the alternator back to the ammeter in the cockpit, then back to the starter and battery switch. I assume that I am getting significant voltage drop.
I'd like to:
- eliminate the anmeter, and add a tach in its place. (The other gauges are oil pressure and operating temp, and all three share wires)
- Add a voltmeter near the switch panel in the cabin.
How do I remove the anmeter without affecting the other gauges? And without it, how should I run the wire from the alternator? Just go straight from the alternator to the starter?
-Chris
For the most part, the API doesn't charge any faster. After a few hours of motoring it gets up to about 13.5 volts, so when I am on a two week cruise, the batteries are only partially charged.
Looking at the wiring, I see that there is an orange wire that runs from the alternator back to the ammeter in the cockpit, then back to the starter and battery switch. I assume that I am getting significant voltage drop.
I'd like to:
- eliminate the anmeter, and add a tach in its place. (The other gauges are oil pressure and operating temp, and all three share wires)
- Add a voltmeter near the switch panel in the cabin.
How do I remove the anmeter without affecting the other gauges? And without it, how should I run the wire from the alternator? Just go straight from the alternator to the starter?
-Chris
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