Bouncing Alternator

[Rob Robinson]

Today I noticed that my alternator's dash gauge constantly bounces from zero up to the first hash mark (+100amp). It occurs in roughly a one second interval. It also does it while idling. In addition the DC Volts Engine and DC Volts Coach guages bounce in unison. Their movement is about +1 volt each. Do I have anything to worry about here? Flaky regulator maybe?????

[Ed Wimberley]

Rob
It does not sound good.
Listen for abnormal noise at alternator, if nothing singing out assuming you still have your hi frequency hearing,it could be loose wire. Otherwise plan on repairs maybe just voltage regulator.

Originally Posted by Rob Robinson

Today I noticed that my alternator's dash gauge constantly bounces from zero up to the first hash mark (+100amp). It occurs in roughly a one second interval. It also does it while idling. In addition the DC Volts Engine and DC Volts Coach guages bounce in unison. Their movement is about +1 volt each. Do I have anything to worry about here? Flaky regulator maybe?????

Shortly after I bought my coach my I was traveling thru Utah and the chassis ammeter and coach/chassis voltmeters pegged, causing my headlights to burn out. I replaced the alternator voltage regulator and haven't had a problem since. If you need help getting a regulator I can probably dig out a part number.

[Rob Robinson]

Thanks Ed. I'm a ways from home so I hope to make it there if repairs are needed. I've heard of others running their genny to provide juice and get them home so I guess that's always an option.

[rrueckwald]

Originally Posted by Rob Robinson

Today I noticed that my alternator's dash gauge constantly bounces from zero up to the first hash mark (+100amp). It occurs in roughly a one second interval. It also does it while idling. In addition the DC Volts Engine and DC Volts Coach guages bounce in unison. Their movement is about +1 volt each. Do I have anything to worry about here? Flaky regulator maybe?????

Hi, Rob,

I had the same problem all the way back from Florida. It boiled some acid out of the chassis batteries. Oddly it didn't do it when the outside temperature was 50 degrees, but as soon as it got up to about 70 degrees it started again. Sounds like a regulator to me. I have checked the batteries and they seem okay, so I am now in the process of finding a new regulator. Tomorrow I call Delco-Remy for the new part number. I wonder if your coach has the same regulator as my 1995. I'll let the forum know what I find out.

I did stop at Bleakley in Jackson, GA on the way back to get it fixed, but they didn't know what to do, so they sent me to a Detroit Diesel service outfit renting some of their bays. That outfit claimed they couldn't test it and tried to send me to some small shop across the highway. Nobody seemed to know much about simple regulator problems. So I drove it home as it was and will fix it myself. What is the RV world coming to? This forum is really needed.

[Rob Robinson]

Thanks Ron. I'm checking out options too. Found a place that is selling 50DN new for around $1500. Just in case ya know. I'd go the new regulator route first.

[tulipvendor50]

Rob:
When you get back to BC, and when I get back as well, I will take a look for the regulators that I have, I have 2 in my mess.

[susanmarycamilleri]

Rob
Ebay # 370214809217 voltage reg for 50DN - $150

www.elreg.com - this is Canadian in Burlington Ont. shipping would be $100 or so I would think.
reman delco 12v 300 amp 50DN part # 10459299 - $996.61 is the price I was quoted 4 moths ago

new ELREG 12v 300 amp 50DN part # 402-1117860 - $1196.61 price I was quoted 4 months ago

[Rob Robinson]

Thank you Bill and Peter. Much appreciated

[yesmar]

Mine did the same. Bleakley at Umadilla fixed it. I think George did the actual work. I was told this happened all the time on the 2000 models. It would peg and then you could turn the ignition off and it would read normal for awhile. I happened to be about 10 miles from Umadilla when it happened and I left it running so they could see it for themselves. Turned engine off and restarted it and the volt meter showed normal.

They rewired something in the battery compartment. Have not had a problem since.