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Intermittent Voltage Drop
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Sharkhunter
New User
Jul 17, 2010, 1:28 PM
Post #1 of 6
(3745 views)
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Intermittent Voltage Drop
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I have a head scratcher and I hope you can help. 1996 Pace Arrow Motorhome on a Ford chassis. Powered by a Ford 460. While the motor is running, there is a random sharp drop in voltage that lasts for a second, then goes back to normal. Then at any time, it does it again. The engine is slightly affected when this happens. It makes a sound comparable to a power steering pump whine you you turn the wheel all the way and lug the engine. I did replace the alternator because it was bad. But while I'm driving, the battery light slowly comes on then goes out. I had the batteries tested and they are good. Cleaned all connections, but problem still happens. I'm at a loss! Any help?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 18, 2010, 4:45 AM
Post #2 of 6
(3735 views)
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Re: Intermittent Voltage Drop
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No telling what alternator they used yet but Ford had problems common on some with the harness plug ends on alterntors,
T
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Sharkhunter
New User
Jul 18, 2010, 1:43 PM
Post #3 of 6
(3728 views)
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Re: Intermittent Voltage Drop
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I have not thought about that. I will check that and see if that helps. I cranked it yesterday and traced some more. It did not start doing it at all until it reached a little above normal temperature. Normal being up one fourth of the guage. It was doing it ever so many minutes, but no exact same time. The chassis is a F53. Same as maybe a F-350 0r E-350. Could a circuit breaker or relay maybe heat up and click on and off? Thamks for any and all help!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 18, 2010, 6:24 PM
Post #4 of 6
(3720 views)
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Re: Intermittent Voltage Drop
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Let's see if some pics show from a parts site......
Script of suggestions....
">>100 Amp * With external regulator * This unit has an external voltage regulator. It should always be replaced when replacing the alternator If the harness connector is burned, loose-fitting or the retaining clips are missing, purchase replacement plug.<<"
Plug replacement looks like this and just made to solder in.......
That's a lousy pic. Last one I replaced had ends on the wire that you just heated up when the plug was loose or burned - just cut and strip OE wires and match them up. Most burned if any problem
and made for a bad connection or messed up the whole thing!
T
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Sharkhunter
New User
Aug 13, 2010, 1:32 PM
Post #5 of 6
(3690 views)
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Re: Intermittent Voltage Drop
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SOLVED!!!!!!! I took it to a local repair shop with a fantastic reputation. Star Electric in Cornelia , Georgia. The guy there traced things like a bloodhound and found that during original assembly, when the battery control center was installed, a self-tapping bolt they used screwed through the main wire harness and through the alternator wire. Over time and vibration while driving, the screw finally wore through the insulation and was shorting out. THANK THE GOOD LORD THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND!!!!!! Thanks everyone!!!
(This post was edited by Sharkhunter on Aug 13, 2010, 1:34 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 14, 2010, 11:27 AM
Post #6 of 6
(3678 views)
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Re: Intermittent Voltage Drop
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Thanks for reporting the the fix.
No always amusing but worked on a bunch of Limos. Wiring to back was usually behing front seats. What a nighmare to figure out,
Tom
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