Generally, yes, if you are showing about 14 volts when the engine is running, the alternator is probably OK.
When you say the start battery is not charging, is it safe to assume that the start battery will not start the engine? Under normal circumstances, and depending on the Amp-Hour capacity of the start battery, it will probably never get below 95% to 99% state of charge. (Unless, of course, you are using it to also power your house loads.) For example, the 36 HP Universal in my 38 draws 175 amps for about 30 seconds in starting, or about 1.4 AH. That is about 1.3% discharge on the 105AH deep cycle battery I use for starting. (And only for starting except in an emergency) So the start battery is capable of reaching full charge in just a few minutes of engine run time, and the full output from the alternator then gets directed to the house bank if that is at a lower state of charge. If both are fully charged, the current flow just creates heat. Check your start battery with a volt meter and both engine and battery switch turned off. If you get 12.6 volts or more, everything is probably OK. If the start battery won’t start the motor, you probably need a new battery. Rick Brass Washington, NC From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Danny Haughey via CnC-List Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2018 7:31 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Danny Haughey <djhaug...@juno.com> Subject: Stus-List Charging issues So my gauge shows 14amps while motoring but after a long motoring trip my starting battery and house batteries are not charging. The house batteries charge under shore power. I'm taking the starting battery home to throw on a charger to see if it will take a charge. If oin l I'm seeing the 14 amps can I assume the alternator is working? Thanks, Danny
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