Community Forums

kgav1611 · 05-19-2014, 12:01 PM

First time posting. I just wanted to start off by saying thanks to all the input on here. Sure has been a big help to this "newbie!"

I'm having a little trouble finding the right sized alternator for my 96' Monaco Dynasty. It has the Cummins C8.3 300 HP diesel engine. Presently has the wrong size on it. Not getting enough amperage and getting the low voltage alarm. The guy that I purchased the Monaco from had this one put on as a "temporary fix." He broke down, was in a hurry, and this was the only alternator they could find to get him home.

I contacted Monaco as well, and they had no answers either. Anyone know where, and which alternator to buy? Thanks!!
Kevin

Skip426 · 05-19-2014, 12:39 PM

If your getting a low voltage alarm the alt is probably failing, probably due to overheating from constant max output.
Can't believe that Monaco couldn't come up with an original equipment part number for you.
Can you access the alt, at all to find a manufacturer and amp rating of the current unit ?

Ray,IN · 05-19-2014, 02:57 PM

Got the Cummins owners manual? Mine has a spec for the alternator, I think 200A. I'll look at mine tomorrow and copy any numbers, just hope I remember to re-post with the info. Mine is a 1999 engine, shouldn't be too much difference.

UPDATE: I did a little searching and found this information about a 1996 Monaco, Cummins C 8.3 alternator: http://www.justanswer.com/rv-motorho...-need-190.html Hope it helps some.

deandec · 05-19-2014, 04:37 PM

Mine is a Leece-Neville 160A with the same engine in a Gillig Chassis.

Get it rebuilt. It seems to be cheaper @ $300.

If you have a side radiator rig, removal and install is a 30 minute project (with practice) each way.

mel s · 05-19-2014, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgav1611

I'm having a little trouble finding the right sized alternator for my 96' Monaco Dynasty. It has the Cummins C8.3 300 HP diesel engine. Presently has the wrong size on it. Not getting enough amperage and getting the low voltage alarm. The guy that I purchased the Monaco from had this one put on as a "temporary fix." He broke down, was in a hurry, and this was the only alternator they could find to get him home.
I contacted Monaco as well, and they had no answers either. Anyone know where, and which alternator to buy? Thanks!!
Kevin

Kevin
To bad the former owner didn't give you the original "no good" alternator.
It's always better, easier and less expensive to have an alternator rebuilt, rather than looking for a new one
As you have discovered, finding a new one that both fits and works in your coach can be a PITA.
I'm sorry I can't be of any help.
Sorry.
Good luck.
Mel
'96 Safari

NHRA225 · 05-19-2014, 05:33 PM

Most 90's Cummins 8.3 use a Delco 22 SI 160 amp.

Papa_Jim · 05-19-2014, 06:25 PM

The original alternator was probably a Leece Neville, 160 AMP, with built in regulator. I don't know if it was self exciting. It will have had an AC post to provide signal for the tach.

The problem with the Monaco coaches is that they used a different alternator for each model in each year. You have to hear from someone with your coach model in 1996 to learn exactly what alternator you need for your coach.

I had the same problem when we bought our coach. The previous owner had allowed someone to install a different alternator. Boy. What a headache that was to solve that! It took me almost three years to figure out how to rewire things to make the new alternator work.

Jim

weesee · 05-19-2014, 08:48 PM

We have a 1992 Monaco Dynasty and had a similar problem. Low voltage indication and was affecting computer brain for the transmission. First thought was the alternator. My excellent mechanic determined it was not the alternator but the "battery isolator", a unit that manages where the voltage is directed to (chassis, motor battery, and house batteries). Solved the problem with a much cheaper cost than replacing an alternator. Any good mechanic will check the alternators output and if it is normal than check the battery isolator.