The Charging System

Overview

The charging system is an important part of the electrical system. It provides electrical current for the lights, the radio, the heater, the engine's electrical systems and other electrical accessories. It also maintains the batteries in a charged state, recharging them as necessary. When it fails, so does the car.

The charging system has three main components: the alternator, the voltage regulator, and the batteries.

The alternator generates electrical power to run accessories and to recharge the batteries. It is normally driven by a belt located off the crankshaft. The mechanical energy from the crankshaft is converted by the alternator into electrical energy for the battery.

The voltage regulator controls alternator output. It senses when the batteries need recharging, or when the vehicle's electrical needs increase, and adjusts the alternator's output accordingly.

The battery is the reservoir of chemical electrical power. Their primary purpose is to crank the engine. They also supply power to vehicle accessories when the electrical load is too great for the alternator alone.

Causes of Charging System Malfunction

Excessive heat. An alternator can become damaged if it operates too long at excessive temperatures. Damaging heat levels are generated in two ways: when the alternator becomes dirty either externally or internally restricting its ability to dissipate heat from its external surface or not allowing air to pass through the unit, and when air ducts and heat shields are not replaced after the alternator has been serviced.

Dirt and dust. Charging system components operate less efficiently when buildup of dirt particles form around wire and cable connection points. Dirty connection points impair the flow of electrical current.

Vibration. If charging system components are poorly or loosely mounted to the vehicle's frame, the resulting vibration can damage sensitive internal components. A loosely mounted component will also diminish the performance of the important belt drives. This is very important on high powered engines.

Preventive Maintenance Procedures

The object of preventive maintenance is to identify and correct the potential problems before they occur.  There are three preventive maintenance procedures that can greatly enhance the efficiency of the charging system's functions. These three procedures also represent the initial steps you should take when fully diagnosing (i.e. troubleshooting) a problem in the charging system. The three preventive maintenance procedures are as follows:

1. Clean alternator and connection points. Insure that all alternator surfaces are clean to the point that they have no dirt, grease or dust buildup. Air flow passages must also be clear so that air can easily pass through the unit. All connection points must be clean and free from corrosion.

2. Component mounting brackets. Make sure that the charging system components are securely mounted to their brackets and that the brackets are bolted securely to the engine. If  components are poorly or loosely mounted, damaging vibration and diminished belt drive performance are the result.

3. Tension and condition of belts. Check the belt for proper tension with engine off (!). A loose belt will slip on the pulley and fail to turn the alternator's rotor. To be precise, have the belt checked with a belt tension gauge. Refer to vehicle manufacturer's specifications for proper belt tension. Before you adjust it tilt the belt and inspect it for glazing, tiny cracks, or dryness. A worn or damaged belt should be replaced ASAP. A loose belt can also effect the car's cooling as it may be so loose that it will not turn the water pump.

WATCHPOINT: Belt tension gauge: If you replace a worn or damaged belt, the new belt must be checked for proper tension as well. Additionally, a new belt loses 60% of its tension in the first hours of operation. It needs to be tested under heavy load, and then retensioned. After a new belt is installed, run the engine  with every accessory turned on - for 15 minutes (this puts a heavy load on the belt). Then check the belt tension again and adjust it as required. Note that belts on high amperage output alternators may need retensioning twice after installation. If the vehicle has a multi belt drive, the belts need to be carefully matched. Then belt tension should be tested every 10,000 miles. CArrying a spare belt is wise. 

Diagnostic / Troubleshooting Procedures

Preventive maintenance of the charging system should keep it running smoothly. However, when a problem does occur, effective diagnostic (i.e. troubleshooting) procedures will help you locate and correct the problem quickly and economically.  

Any discussion about the electrical system must begin with the battery. Before you begin analyzing the charging system, you must be sure the batteries have been properly tested and are properly charged. Otherwise, any electrical tests you conduct on the charging system will be inaccurate.

A. Before beginning the battery test, make sure that the batteries are 95% - 100% charged. Use a battery charger, if necessary.

B.  Shut off all electrical accessories in the vehicle and run the engine at approximately 1000 - 1200 RPM.

C.  Connect a DC voltmeter to the battery terminals and measure the voltage. Compare the values to those specified by the battery manufacturer. If the voltage is above the manufacturers specification, an OVERCHARGE condition exists. If the measured voltage is below the manufacturers specification, an UNDERCHARGE condition exists.

Alternator Performance Test. Connect voltmeter to alternator terminals and ammeter to alternator's positive output cable. Make sure ammeter is at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from alternator to eliminate the possibility of faulty readings. Make sure voltage is present at alternator's output terminals. Start engine and run it at 1500 RPM's (operating RPM). Check that all vehicle loads are turned off and reading on ammeter is less than 20 amps. If ammeter reading is greater than 20 amps double check that all vehicle loads are turned off and that batteries are fully charged. Record voltage on voltmeter. Reading should be between 13.8 & 14.4 v for a 12 volt system. If the voltage is not within this range then try adjusting the regulator if available. If the regulator can not be adjusted alternator is defective.

Alternator Performance Test Under Load. Keep engine running at 1500 RPM (operating RPM) with meter still connected. Turn on vehicle loads until 75% of the alternator's rated output is achieved on ammeter display. Record voltage on voltmeter. Compare reading to that taking during the Alternator Performance Test. If alternator voltage dropped more than .5 volts then alternator is defective. 

Alternator Cable Test. To test the positive cable connect the ammeter to the positive cable from the alternator. Make sure the ammeter is at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the alternator to eliminate the possibility of faulty readings. Connect the voltmeter’s negative lead to the positive terminal of the alternator and the positive lead to the positive terminal on the battery. Start engine and set engine RPM to 1500 RPMs (operating speed). Turn on vehicle loads until 75% of alternator’s rated output is achieved on ammeter display. Record voltage on voltmeter. If reading is greater than .25 volts check all wire connections and cable connections. If reading is less than .25 volts in 12 volt circuit and .50 volts in a 24 volt circuit cables are good. Turn off vehicle loads and shut off engine. To test the negative cable move voltmeter’s negative lead to the negative terminal of the battery and the positive lead to the negative terminal of the alternator. Run test again. 

WATCHPOINT: Almost all auto supply places offer a free testing service for alternators.

Alternator Replacement

In the event that all of the diagnostic / troubleshooting procedures point to a faulty alternator, you'll need to select a new alternator. Its amperage capacity rating must support the vehicle's intended application, or load and duty cycle. If the vehicle has had a history of charging problems and you've eliminated failure in the system, you may want to reevaluate the capacity of the alternator. We often add accessories and items to our Morgan that make the original alternator inadequate.

When installing a new alternator and retensioning belts, be sure to carefully follow the instructions noted earlier in this section under preventive maintenance.

See Appendix A, B, and C at the end of this manual for the Alternator Sizing Worksheet, Trouble Shooting Flowchart, and Alternator Test Procedure Flowchart.