Alternator overcharging

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by Johny41, Nov 5, 2013.

  1. Johny41

    Johny41 Road Train Member

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    I got 4 new batteries Exide 900 amps in september,after 3 weeks I returned all to Volvo because I got a bad sell in the cab, acid leaking , they instaled same brand 4 new batteries checked the alternator, aftet few weeks i have same problem: rotten eggs smell acid leaking on the sides and top of the batteries; Today I replace the alternator, the technician said was overcharging, but after was installed the voltage stayed at 14.3V when I'm moving,and battery light blinking on the dash; ,I returned to shop after few miles, they measured the voltage on batteries was 14.3 v and the alternator is charging 13.7 , normal.; Before I replaced the alternator my dash voltage was around 13.7V with the motor running. Now 14.3V.?!!!
    Question; is there a voltage regulator in alternator only in this Volvo 780/2008? Or has some external computer controled (faulty)voltage regulator allowing to overcharge???
     
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  3. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    14.3!!!! volts is a very normal charging voltage, well within the normal range.
    I presume your voltage with the first (overcharging) alternator was in excess of 15.5 volts, which after a short while will start "cooking" the batteries and producing that sulfer smell.
    I would say the present alternator is acting normal.

    When the first tech checked the alternator, he probably didn't check it at anything but idle. It should also have been checked at 1500 rpm.
     
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  4. poniikyanion

    poniikyanion Light Load Member

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    14.3 v is normal. Mine is always between 13.7 and 14.3 when motor is running.
     
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  5. Johny41

    Johny41 Road Train Member

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    Ohh, OK thx!
    I always seen 13.5-13.8 V , not 14.3 V on the dash gauge while driving; and I still get the rotten egg smell ; yes, maybe I damaged and this set of batteries b4 replacing the alternator.
     
  6. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Yes, I think the damage was done before you replaced the defective alternator.
    Normal charging voltage will typically range from 13.5 to 14.5 (or even slightly higher +.3). In hot/warm weather it typically charges at less voltage, but in frigid/cold temps it requires a higher charging voltage. If the rotten egg smell persists, have your batteries load tested and checked, as well as checking alternator voltage at high rpm (1500-1700).

    Normally, when the regulator goes bad, the alternator puts out its unrestricted voltage, which often is up to 16-18 volts or more.
     
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  7. Johny41

    Johny41 Road Train Member

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    Did you guys try dry batteries in heavy trucks? I was thinking maybe don't leak acid in this situations .
     
  8. truckman29801

    truckman29801 Medium Load Member

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    I had a freightliner charge 19.5v lol but it was 13.5v when idle. had a bad regulator in the alternator. but by the time i fixed it after experimenting at idle it burnt up some regulator by the batteries. BTW ruined the 4 batteries i had in it.
     
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