Alternator not charging (2006 HR Ambassador)

[nehog]

Working OK until today... Started up and got the alternator light, and no charge (battery sitting on 12V).

Diagnostics so far have been to check the two 5 amp inline fuses (both good) and the 20 amp fuse (actually a circuit breaker) in the battery compartment, also good.

Not very accessible, unless I'm missing something with regard to accessing the engine... Sure wished the radiator would swing out of the way!

BTW, I'm a EE, so no problems working with electrical stuff. Used to have a company that made electronic stuff for diesel engines before I retired.

[twinboat]

Check for battery voltage at the + terminal on the alternator. While there make sure it's turning and the belt is tight.
Next is to check the connections of the small wires, on the back.

If there and tight, next step is pulling the alt and having it tested.

[theoldwizard]

Modern light/medium duty vehicle (including the Ford F53 chassis) have a charging system where the voltage regulators works in conjunction withe the engine control module.

I have no idea if this would be the same with your vehicle.

[No Stress Express]

Check your chassis ( starting ) batteries. I had the same a few weeks ago , could not find anything wrong, charged the batteries started engine, alternator light on no charge 12V
finely removed the batteries and found date tag they where almost 10 years old, had them load checked, no good . Put new batteries in ( Costco $ 139 Canadian) each .
All is well again. The alternator protects itself and will not charge poor or near dead bats.
Hope that's all that's wrong with yours

[PeteandDeb]

Have you checked the alternator belt? Stopped at Speedco with working system. When they were done, started up. Alternator no charge light. Broken belt! Don't know how they could have damaged it but weird coincidence.

[nehog]

Originally Posted by PeteandDeb

Have you checked the alternator belt? Stopped at Speedco with working system. When they were done, started up. Alternator no charge light. Broken belt! Don't know how they could have damaged it but weird coincidence.

BINGO... It was a broken belt.

We came back from a trip to CT last week, and parked. My sister 'camped out' in the driveway in it (but it never moved, we just used it as a guest bedroom...)

After she went home, I went to start it and the no charge light was lit. Like you happened on startup with no apparent reason. At 26K miles that is a bit early for a belt to fail, but it did. I've just ordered a new one at my parts store, pick it up tomorrow. How many miles did you have on your belt? I don't think a mechanic could have done something that would cause a belt to break...

Now if someone has the belt routing diagram for the ISC330 in my HR Ambassador I'd be a really happy camper!

Gift to the forum:

Dayco numbers for 2006 Holiday Rambler 2006 Ambassador, Cummins ISC 330 8.3L engine:

Main drive 5080840
Belt Tensioner 89406 (Superseded by 89481)
Belt Tensioner 89481 (Supersedes 89406)
Tensioner Pulley 89103
Curved Radiator Hose, Lower - Engine to Oil Cooler 70921 *
Curved Radiator Hose, Lower - Oil Cooler to Radiator 70922
Curved Radiator Hose, Upper - Pipe to Engine 70920 *
Standard Radiator Hose, Upper - Pipe to Radiator 2 1/4"

See Dayco Belt/Hose lookup

[Hartman2112]

Originally Posted by nehog

BINGO... It was a broken belt.

We came back from a trip to CT last week, and parked. My sister 'camped out' in the driveway in it (but it never moved, we just used it as a guest bedroom...)

After she went home, I went to start it and the no charge light was lit. Like you happened on startup with no apparent reason. At 26K miles that is a bit early for a belt to fail, but it did. I've just ordered a new one at my parts store, pick it up tomorrow. How many miles did you have on your belt? I don't think a mechanic could have done something that would cause a belt to break...

Now if someone has the belt routing diagram for the ISC330 in my HR Ambassador I'd be a really happy camper!

Gift to the forum:

Dayco numbers for 2006 Holiday Rambler 2006 Ambassador, Cummins ISC 330 8.3L engine:

Main drive 5080840
Belt Tensioner 89406 (Superseded by 89481)
Belt Tensioner 89481 (Supersedes 89406)
Tensioner Pulley 89103
Curved Radiator Hose, Lower - Engine to Oil Cooler 70921 *
Curved Radiator Hose, Lower - Oil Cooler to Radiator 70922
Curved Radiator Hose, Upper - Pipe to Engine 70920 *
Standard Radiator Hose, Upper - Pipe to Radiator 2 1/4"

See Dayco Belt/Hose lookup

Dry rot doesn't are how many miles you have on it. Just the age. That's why most of us have to buy new tires long before the tread even shows signs of wear.

[twinboat]

Have you confirmed that the alternator can be spun freely by hand ? They can seize up.

[doublechevy]

Do not forget to check the A/C compressor pulley to make sure it is not frozen.

Broke 2 belts on my 2008 Knight 1 frozen Alternator 1 frozen A/C pulley
less than 27000 miles

[Robert T]

On my 2004 Endeavor had the same problem.

You stated that the in line fuses and breaker are ok. I am uncertain if you checked the fuse on the wire harness conjunction connector inside the battery box area.

There is a conjunction in side the battery box that join two wiring harnesses together.

Disconnect the harnesses and inside the connector is a 20 amp mini fuse.

[nehog]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Have you confirmed that the alternator can be spun freely by hand ? They can seize up.

Damn it... Alternator is frozen.

Anyone know what alternator is installed? I'm either going to have to rebuild it (I've experience) or replace it.

I see what I'm going to be doing this weekend!

Heck anyone have a belt routing diagram? The one I have is probably correct (it's generic for the ISC 330, doesn't show A/C compressor but it is only able to be routed one way on that) but a proper diagram might help.

[Robert T]

Should be a LEECE NEVILLE approx 170 amp most likely. Call any heavy truck parts store they should have it.

Re-manufactured are around $185-225

[veraken]

Recently replaced my alternator. First check with Monaco to get the model number of the alternator originally installed (just give them your VIN #). Probably 2824LC. You can then shop around. I found the best price at Quality Power High Output Alternators & High Torque Starters (High Output Alternators & High Torque Starters). I decided to replace my 160 amp Leece Neville with a 200 amp Delco Remy 28SI. I purchased one with a pully. I had my old LN rebuilt and carry it as a spare. As previously stated, disconnect batteries and power to the coach. The install was fairly simple except on the DR you don't connect the excite wire since it is self exciting.

[PeteandDeb]

While you're at it, check the tensioner. Apparently that was how my belt died at 56500 miles. Had to have belt and tensioner replaced at Cummins. F as t way to spend $650 ... after Power discount.