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John Pacello · 07-14-2013, 03:17 PM

We have a 2003 Gulfstream Friendship Quattro (4-slides).

Unit Serial: 58-4557, Model 8408 FS, Vin 4UZAAHAK73CL66407 Cat Diesel.

We have a problem with the charging system, the coach batteries will not charge while the driving.

The coach batteries will charge hooked to a land line or when operating the generator, just will not charge while driving.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated, is there a drawing showing the location of components, there are no drawings in any of the manuals I have?.

Thank you John and Loretta

Mr_D · 07-14-2013, 03:25 PM

Is you alternator working?
Do you have a BIRD (auto switch for charging)?

John Pacello · 07-14-2013, 03:38 PM

Yes the alternator charges the chassis when the engine is running, and the coach batteries charge if we are plugged in or if the generator is running.
Yes there is a BIRD.

Tks

John

KIX · 07-14-2013, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Pacello

Yes the alternator charges the chassis when the engine is running, and the coach batteries charge if we are plugged in or if the generator is running.
Yes there is a BIRD.

Tks

John

Sounds like your isolating relay is not closing. Perhaps the contacts are burned. You could jump the two large contacts and then verify that charge voltage is then passing to the house bank.

John Pacello · 07-14-2013, 06:24 PM

Thank you, I would like to try that.

But not sure what it looks like.

I see a big starter type solenoid, in a different compartment near the one battery compartment.

Thanks for your help

John

Mr_D · 07-14-2013, 06:28 PM

When ours did that I found that the alternator was bad. Cost me $426 and I did the work. Doesn't sound like that's your problem IF the alternator is putting out 15 volts or so, ours wasn't. But, because the dash gauge still showed good voltage (backfeed from batteries was what it was reading) it took me a while to figure it out.

KIX · 07-14-2013, 06:34 PM

You could trace the two large cables to be sure they go to the two banks. Connect the two large lugs together with one lead of a set of battery jumper cables. When connected and engine running read the voltage across each bank. You should see charge voltage going into both banks. Until you get a new relay (solenoid) you can connect positive on house bank to positive on chassis bank to charge both while driving. Be sure they are securely attached.

KIX · 07-14-2013, 06:36 PM

The continuous duty solenoid will be about as big as a large fist. Probably made by Intellitec or Trombetta but could be made by others

terry735001 · 07-14-2013, 06:55 PM

they all so have small Intellitec ecu some where to spelt the load its a small looking box
has fuses on it if you rv is pulling a big 12v load the box well not send 12v to that set of battery s fuse or that box is bad

all so you continuous duty solenoid could be a barfoot is what its called
then you well have a starting solenoid as well

John Pacello · 07-14-2013, 08:41 PM

The solenoid I am referring to is in the rear electrical compartment, next to the coach battery compartment. It is marked continuous duty manufactured by White Rogers.

John

KIX · 07-14-2013, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Pacello

The solenoid I am referring to is in the rear electrical compartment, next to the coach battery compartment. It is marked continuous duty manufactured by White Rogers.

John

sounds like the correct one.

Gorlininc · 07-15-2013, 04:59 AM

My solenoid is also a white roger.

If you start your motor and shore power is not plugged in, get your volt meter. You should have about 13.5 volts on the chassis batteries and the house batteries. If you don't then your solenoid us either burnt out or your BIRD is not working.
I'd put 12v on the hot side if the coil of the solenoid and see now if you have 13.5v on the house batteries. If you do, then your BIRD is bad. If you still are not getting 13.5v then the solenoid is bad. I just replaced mine $65.00.
Rick