Hello, looking for assistance on identifying a charging issue on one of my 427's (1972 410 Commander). The port engine was charging then it stopped charging causing the engine to stop running, assuming because of low voltage to the coil, but after a few minutes of stabilizing, the engine will start back up and run for awhile longer until it dies again. I had the alternator checked and at first the tech said it was overcharging because the internal regulator may have failed, so he cleaned it up and changed out the magnets inside the regulator and showed me that the alternator was now working. It may have been working all along. He also said to make sure the voltage supplied to the alternator from the ignition had 12 volts. That I didn't check until after I reinstalled it and there is no voltage to the alternator. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there may be a fuse somewhere for that supply? The tech said check for a fuse but I have not idea if one exists and haven't found one yet. I have continuity from the alternator to the harness connection next to the engine (orange wire) but I haven't traced it any further. The alternators I have are Motorola with with a Motorola external voltage regulator feeding the coil. Only 10 volt goes to the coil when running, and no voltage generated to battery. My limited understanding is suggesting to me that these alternators need 12 volts supplied to it in order to what, excite it? Can I jump in another 12 volt supply to it separate from the ignition if I can't find the issue? My wiring inside my consul is all original and I hate to go inside to check things as I tend to make matters worse. One more piece of the puzzle is I may have caused this by installing a Smart battery switch between this starting battery and the house batteries as I noticed that my house batteries were not being charged while the engines were running. It was working when I installed it and tested it but it wasn't long before the alternator stopped charging. I have since disconnected this Smart switch but maybe this caused this issue.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Jeff Bentley
Jeff,
Hard to help you without knowing what alternator you’re working with. Does you boat have original 427’s?
Oppps, see that it is 427’s. The voltage regulator on the 427 is mounted on the front of the engine. I do not believe there is an internal regulator. I had one go bad several years ago, replaced the regulator, all was well.
Hello Joe,
I wish I had enquired earlier in my attempts to solve my problem. As it turns out, it does look like it was the voltage regulator. I swapped the other engine's regulator and now it charges normally from what I can see. The perplexing thing is I had to find a way to excite the alternator with the bad regulator in order to determine that it was the regulator that failed. Once I excited the alternator by jumping in 12 volts from the battery, the alternator got really excited and was charging at 17 volts and higher before I could shut down the engine. So my original problem was the alternator stopped charging and went to sleep basically hence I suspected the alternator.
Incidentally, I found 1 regulator (the alternative matching part) on eBay. The only one I could find. I would like to have a spare so I'm still on the hunt.
Thank you Joe. Do you have the 427's? I want to locate the upgraded copper log/risers and change them out. I found 2 sets of pairs from crushed boats from fresh water regions but they were not in perfect condition. I'm in mostly salt water. I installed a flushing valve but I still think these old ones are a ticking time bomb. I had to change 1 piston on my starboard engine to get that one running as it had frozen (previous owner) and pitted the piston head. I think I was successful in getting both engines running as I am now cruising around in San Francisco Bay.
Do you have the name of the outfit that makes those copper risers?
Thanks again,
Jeff
I also have the original 7.5 Kohler Generator that runs, but has an exhaust leak and now voltage isn't showing at the switch. It shows at the gen box but nothing at the main breaker or selector switch.
Are you familiar with this gen the 23 (A) meaning automatic?
Jeff,
I sold my 1973 41’ Commander in May. Loved the boat, owned it for 18 years. It had the original 427s. I’m 74 and it got too big for my age. Wife and family miss it, but it was time to downsize a few feet.
Jeff,
I had the same generator, it served me well for 15 years. The last 3 years it became problematic. Parts are becoming hard to find and expensive. I would find someone with some expertise. If they can find and fix your problem(s) for a reasonable amount, fix it. If it needs a lot of work plus parts, replace it, they have become obsolete.
Joe
Those copper risers are still made to my knowledge by a company in NY last time I checked but who knows? Fasten your seatbelt tho.. This will be ugly! (But needed)
Lenco on Long Island, here is the link:
https://lencocoolers.com/mobile/index.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Flencocoolers.com%2F