is the electrical system charging?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
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From: Eastern TN
is the electrical system charging?
Since we've had the van the voltage displayed in the gauge cluster shows low. This is a picture from this weekend after about a half hour driving with AC on full -
Turning off AC, compressor and fan, moves the indicator about an needle's width. When the van is first started it'll indicate to R or M then over the course of the trip drop to O then N. So far it hasn't gone beyond N. It cranks with enthusiasm hot or cold. The headlights don't dim much at idle or get significantly brighter with revs.
I've yet to take a proper volt meter to it (I know, I know...). All but the last couple thousand miles were racked up in Boise and SLC so there might be a bad ground somewhere.
Thanks,
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
Turning off AC, compressor and fan, moves the indicator about an needle's width. When the van is first started it'll indicate to R or M then over the course of the trip drop to O then N. So far it hasn't gone beyond N. It cranks with enthusiasm hot or cold. The headlights don't dim much at idle or get significantly brighter with revs.
I've yet to take a proper volt meter to it (I know, I know...). All but the last couple thousand miles were racked up in Boise and SLC so there might be a bad ground somewhere.
Thanks,
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Well Sir even though you know, you know all about the proper voltage meter those dash gauges can be terrifically unreliable reporting the real condition of what they're supposed to be monitoring! 
I myself find it hard to believe your van is not charging properly otherwise a dead battery would have long ago shown up. Put a meter on your system, typically on the battery posts is sufficient; look for at least 14.2 volts at an idle. You can also turn all blowers and headlights on, looking for any significant voltage drops. It doesn't seem you'll find too much amiss though---that's good news!
FWIW I've seen a few so-called "battery tenders" that plug into a power point and give a voltage reading---more for peace of mind than anything but something to consider maybe.
I myself find it hard to believe your van is not charging properly otherwise a dead battery would have long ago shown up. Put a meter on your system, typically on the battery posts is sufficient; look for at least 14.2 volts at an idle. You can also turn all blowers and headlights on, looking for any significant voltage drops. It doesn't seem you'll find too much amiss though---that's good news!
FWIW I've seen a few so-called "battery tenders" that plug into a power point and give a voltage reading---more for peace of mind than anything but something to consider maybe.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
Look....take a decent multimeter and set it to DC Volts.......Then take the Positive lead and make good contact on the Alternator output (10 mm nut on back of Alt with engine running) .....and take the Negative lead and put it to a good ground......If you have less than 14 V @ idle , you have issues with the Alt OR the Internal Voltage reg.....Thats it.....Mine is around 14.5 V which on the dash means it is a little past the Middle on the plus side...Hope this helps......
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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Look....take a decent multimeter and set it to DC Volts.......Then take the Positive lead and make good contact on the Alternator output (10 mm nut on back of Alt with engine running) .....and take the Negative lead and put it to a good ground......If you have less than 14 V @ idle , you have issues with the Alt OR the Internal Voltage reg.....Thats it.....Mine is around 14.5 V which on the dash means it is a little past the Middle on the plus side...Hope this helps......
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
That's exactly what I pictured in my mind---sure eBay has them by the 100's too. Not a bad little thing to keep around.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Eastern TN
The van started without fuss after sitting for 2 weeks. Took it on a 10 mile drive with the AC going full blast then checked voltage at the battery posts:
Engine off - 12.0V, yikes!
Restarted engine - 13.8V/R on the gauge, yay!
AC at max - 12.4V/N on the gauge.
Add headlights, 12.3V.
Turn off AC - 13.7V.
Turn off engine - 12.3V.
The AC blower seems lethargic. It might be tired and dragging causing the severe [IMO] voltage drop. $40 for a new motor isn't so bad. I don't imagine the alternator is so hot, either. How do I identify alternator rating?
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
Engine off - 12.0V, yikes!
Restarted engine - 13.8V/R on the gauge, yay!
AC at max - 12.4V/N on the gauge.
Add headlights, 12.3V.
Turn off AC - 13.7V.
Turn off engine - 12.3V.
The AC blower seems lethargic. It might be tired and dragging causing the severe [IMO] voltage drop. $40 for a new motor isn't so bad. I don't imagine the alternator is so hot, either. How do I identify alternator rating?
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
Thanks for clarifying "alternator." A frequent poster who will remain unnamed has "3g alternator" in his sig line so that's over 3000 result threads unrelated to alternators It appears most 3g alternators are the 2 ear design where our '93 5.8 takes 3 bolts into the block or head -
There's a 130 amp option for our van (I hope it uses the same belt). Let's hope the store doesn't check the core too closely.
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
It appears most 3g alternators are the 2 ear design where our '93 5.8 takes 3 bolts into the block or head -There's a 130 amp option for our van (I hope it uses the same belt). Let's hope the store doesn't check the core too closely.
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles
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