Leopard 42 - Alternator exciter circuit woes

[chrtucke]

Hello,

I have searched the forum and not found this topic so here goes.

We recently purchased a 2002 Leopard 42 and I have found that one of the alternators isn't charging it's battery. I'm told by the previous owner that he tracked it down to the exciter circuit running through a 1.7watt indicator light bulb at the helm station that most likely needs to be replaced. I have never heard of an exciter circuit being run through an alert bulb but OK...does anyone have any experience with this and/or on Leopards specifically? If so, does this make any sense and/or any ideas where I can get a replacement? That doesn't sounds like a bulb I'll be able to find at the local auto parts.

Thank you,

[colemj]

Yes, this is one typical way to provide the initial current to start the alternator output. The bulb on the panel should be a very typical automotive type bulb, so won't be a problem to replace if out.

But check to see if it really is burned out - it should be the bulb that lights up the "charging" icon (or whatever it is called and looks like - look in the manual for the indicator light locations).

If the bulb continues to be a problem, you can replace it with a resistor.

Mark

[gunnado]

What type of alternator is it?

Yes a faulty bulb will stop your alternator. Replace bulb then if that does not work you are on the next stage of diagnostics


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[onestepcsy37]

My bulb also went out but I found that, after running about 10 minutes, my delco remy si12 would excite itself and start charging...

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[chrtucke]

A quick update and thanks for the input thus far.

I got some replacement bulbs but they did not have the desired affect. I did notice that the new bulb would glow very slightly when the ignition was on but motor not yet started...then when motor started it would go dark.

No change in behavior of the alternator unfortunately but now I have a couple of spare 1.7W bulbs for my dash display if/when I need them, so I got that going for me. : o)

I don't have a lot of spare time to put into troubleshooting this so is anyone familiar with a good/knowledgeable and most of all honest/trustworthy deisel mechanic/electrician in the Fort Myers, Naples area? Oh and if he's cheap that would be great to but not a priority.