Volt gauge reading at start up for Dutch Aire

[clubmed98]

Spartan and I are having a disagreement on what is correct reading at start up with engine cold. When my coach was new at start up with temp in 40's gauge would go to 14/15 almost immediately. it worked that way all last summer and through the winter in TX and FLA. Now at morning start up only it takes 2-3 minutes before it moves from 12/13 volts to 14/15. My contention is it should go to 14/15 immediately and stay there or at worst show fluctuation cause by grid heater. They say no the 2-3 minute wait is normal even though it never did it before. So the next time you start your ISL 425 cummins in the morning see how long before your volt gauge shows full volts and just post back here please. If immediately with or with out fluctuations or 2-3 minute wait.

["007"]

Have you checked all chassis battery and regulator connections for tight and clean connections?
Battery and engine ground straps to chassis frame also.

[RJay]

What reason did Spartan give for the 2-3 minute delay? That sounds about the time it takes to air up the brakes and air bags.

[Iron Man]

I don't think you have a grid heater. The gauge information comes from the ECM. Next time if you can start your coach and check to the voltage at the batteries and go from there.

[clubmed98]

I have had spartan look at in Perry and am now at factory...we have done all of your thoughts...they say it is normal to have the delay...I say it wasn't that way before and in colder weather and it is not normal..all I need is how long does it take the first time you start up to have 14/15 volts read on gauge and what engine and newmar model...this is to prove that they have an issue and they need to fix it..thanks for the replys though..and yes it has a grid and yes on time to air up, but both cummins and spartan and i feel it is just a coincidence and not an issue..

[Norm4015]

I have a 2005 Dutch Star with a 370 hp Cummins ISL on a Spartan chassis. When I start the engine the voltage drops to 12.2 volts and stays there about 30 seconds. Then it jumps to 13.8 volts for 10-15 seconds and drops back to 12.2 volts. It does this twice in warm weather and three times in cold weather. After that is settles at 13.8 volts.

My last motorhome had a Cummins ISC (Spartan) and it did the same thing except the top voltage varied between 13.6 volts and 13.9 volts. My voltage readings come from a Silverleaf VMSpc and the dash gauge indicates the same voltages.

[clubmed98]

Thanks norm...appreciated...mine never even moves..think we camped together in Stewert in 2008..I had a 98 DSDP then..hope all is well

[targaboat]

Depends upon how cold, takes more cranking time, and how long it has been setting where the battery is down various amounts. In warm weather and if driving frequently, there is less energy to return to the battery and hence return to shut off of about 14v will be quicker. Also and older battery will run down faster just setting. The sediments in the bottom of the battery is a path for discharge current while setting.