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Overcharging

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 2:09 am
by SAMBA
5 years ago I changed the electrical from 6V to 12V on my 1953 Sedan cabin cruiser. My generators were re-wired for the new voltage. On my maiden run one engine did not charge at all and one overcharged. Went back to the dock, mechanic said he had "fried " the regulators and one was stuck fully on, and one was off. After getting the new parts, he did a very quick replacement and all was well till a few days ago. Post engine seems to be overcharging; while underway at 2000 rpm, voltmeter reads 17V on that side, starboard 13V. A mechanic is slated to look at it soon, but I'm assuming the regulator is malfunctioning? In some of my reading I've also come across a "cut-off switch". Obviously it's the height of the season (nothing ever breaks in late September). If he can't get to it or fix it, is there some way I can jury-rig it so I don't overcharge my battery? On the generator looks like I have a 2-wire system and the regulator looks a bit smaller than a pack of cards. Will removing one of the wires prevent the excess charging? By the way, we never run more than 4 or 5 hours without coming back to dock and I have a very good new "smart-charger" and am able to connect all three batteries (2 engine and the house battery) together with a switching system so I'm not too worried about running w/out charging that battery for a few hours.
Thanks so much, Dan

Re: Overcharging

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 6:40 am
by mbigpops
What do you have for engines ?

I am pretty sure that I remember being able to adjust the voltage internally in the generator by taking the cover off on my KL.

Mark

Re: Overcharging

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:36 am
by Matt Smith
Its a simple adjustment in your generator. Takes nerves of steel the first time and then its old hat. Did a story on it
http://www.woodyboater.com/blog/2016/06 ... c-boating/
basecly you are taking a plate off and using a screwdriver to slightly pry a thing over. How is that for a technical explanation.

Re: Overcharging

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:21 am
by SAMBA
Engines are KLS. Mechanic is in the middle of the project, apparently. Word from front desk is "He said he needs to take the generator in to a local shop to have it adjusted." Will see what it turns out to be. Also, will check out the link to the bulletin--thanks.
Dan