How do i check my alternators amp output?

[Wozza244]

Just purchased a PROJECTA 150a electronic dual battery system, i have 3 batteries and im not completely confident on such a job wiring it in so im taking it to a sparky. Has anyone had this system, it has good ratings in 4wd action so i bought it.
My batteries are all good and i cant find any leakages but if i dont start it every day it hasnt enough charge to glow and start.
The volt meter on the dash says below 12v while driving but the charge light isnt on, good voltage coming out of the alt. and good voltage on the batteries with the engine off....Only started this recently, it has me pickled....
It does have those dirty old "post" type dual batt solenoids in there though...

[Clanky]

If it doesnt start after sitting for a couple of days then there may be something small sapping the battery OR the battery is nearing the end of its life - but you say this is all OK

Reading you post again if the charge while driving is not getting above 12V the batteries wont fully charge. I think you may have a voltage regulation problem or a diode has died in the alternator.

Check out your main earth leads too, and whilst youre at it all the other leads and connections

Nothing wrong with the old solenoids if they are decent ones from an auto elec

If you want to measure amps you will need a shunt and a meter. Place the shunt in the neg lead of the battery you want to measure and hook the meter to the shunt.

[Wozza244]

The old analogue gauge isnt showing more than 12v but on the multimeter its all good, everything seems fine by the tests but when i put a lead on the battery it doesnt spark like it would if it was using power somewhere.
I will check my leads but i recently did these with a file when i changed the power steer pump and also the starter both had big leads attached to earth.
I will get the run down from the sparky i suppose he has all the gear and knows the story.

Thanks for your help mate, appreciated.

[PBBIZ2]

Wozza,
I assume your system is a single start battery and two aux? So the starting issue is with a single battery, not all three?

You mention the charge voltages are fine after its turned off - for how long? I am thinking along the path of surface charge against good deep charging - what sort of periods do the batteries get to charge under nornal conditions? Maybe its been a slow process of 'not quite enough'?

When you say it won't glow, what do you mean? Does the engine fail to start easily or is it slow to crank? Or is it evident on starting of belching white smoke? Thinking about starter motor issues maybe.

Might be off line, but food for thought.
Hope this helps, pls let us know th outcome of the sparky as well.
regards
Phil

[Wozza244]

Yes Phil, single start 2 aux.

I never really start it and not let it run for 20 min or more, if not drive an hr out to the property so it should be receiving a decent charge??

Left it overnight and all 3 batteries were equalized at 12.5v just a minute ago.
Started it up and after 60seconds the alternator reached full cap. at 14.6v

Then checked all 3 batteries which were all at 14.4-14.6v also.

The glow system shudders with a clicking sound at the end of the glow, like when there isnt enough power in the battery the starter solenoid shudders.
It did this thismorning but still started, did sound weak tho.

I pulled the starter out a cpl wks ago and gave it a good complete clean, the brushes were fine, sanded everyhting even the magnets.

The batteries all have those indicator things which if they are green the battery is ok.

I have a big century N70ZZ start and 2 Supercharge All rounder Deep Cycle Aux batts.

Shouldnt the alternator work with the solenoid system and charge my starter first and not all 3 at once?? Or is that only with the new smart systems.
The new Projecta system should be here wed and i will try and book it in to sparky in the next 2 wks.

[chimpboy]

If it's reliable when you start/run it daily, but then won't start if you leave it sitting for two or three days, then that doesn't really point to the alternator as the first place to look for a problem.

Rather it sounds like the battery is dying or something is draining it.

[nayto]

Im agreeing with Chimpboy, either something draining power or a dud battery. Id be looking to load test the battery, can get load testers from Repco etc for pretty cheap.

[Wozza244]

Im agreeing with Chimpboy, either something draining power or a dud battery. Id be looking to load test the battery, can get load testers from Repco etc for pretty cheap.

Yeah dead right i suppose the auto sparky might be able to work it all out.

Singleton Auto Electrics did a great job on one of my older cruisers, gave him a list and he did it allfor a top price, not like some leckys, a quick file and some terminal paint and they charge $200

[nayto]

Iv actually got a load tester if u want to use it.......or do the easy thing and send it to the sparkies again. My electrical expertise pulls up at wiring spotties or broken wires

[Wozza244]

i just looked at buying one they are between 50-100 bucks, id love to come down but im unregistered till mid march, i will have it at the sparkies by then. Thanks for the offer tho mate thats what its all about ay

[nayto]

Yeh no worries mate, post up when u find out what the problem was.

[Wozza244]

Ok the new 150 amp projecta system is in and running, already i have lost the clicking noise i had there.
But my starter motor just shat itself AGAIN last nite.
I pulled it apart and fully cleaned it a cpl wks ago, maybe there is another problem in the solenoid i dont know but i might just send it to the sparky.