T-180 alternator problem????

[richm01]

I have a five year old T-180 which I purchased new. Presently has 600 hours. I have replaced the battery two times and now think I have an alternator problem.

I have the security package which allows me to change from an idiot screen to a voltmeter. When I start out it starts at 12.9 to 13.0 Volts. I do have A. C. and the A. C. is on, this time of year.

I just finished running the machine for four hours, maintaining about 1,900 rpm and at the end, the voltage read 12.2 to 12.3.

I always thought the alternator had to read 13.5 to 14.0 maximum. The machine starts without hesitation. If I turn off the A.C. the gauge will read 12.4 to 12.5.

Am I paranoid, or is my alternator starting to go out?

I would appreciate any comments.

Thx,

 

[nobull1]

I think you are right the alternator is on the way out, or already gone. I always look for 13.5 minimum and 14 + normal when at high rpm and no load. I would get a volt meter and measure at the battery while running, and shut off as well and compare the two as to what the Bobcat gauge is saying to confirm it is correct. Also try turning the ac on and see where the meter goes while running. It should not drop much at all, if any, if the alternator is good. Your belt is tight, right.

 

[richm01]

I think you are right the alternator is on the way out, or already gone. I always look for 13.5 minimum and 14 + normal when at high rpm and no load. I would get a volt meter and measure at the battery while running, and shut off as well and compare the two as to what the Bobcat gauge is saying to confirm it is correct. Also try turning the ac on and see where the meter goes while running. It should not drop much at all, if any, if the alternator is good. Your belt is tight, right.

I tried the AC off and on several times. It does not fluctuate much. Drops maybe from 12.9 to 12.8. It is a continual drop. I will see what happens tomorrow. At the end of the day today, it was down to 12.2.

Before I got serious about the repair, I raised the cab and did a full spring cleaning. I checked the alternator belt and it was taught. I also used electronic cleaner and washed out the alternator. And sprayed the belts with belt conditioner.

I will try again tomorrow, and then get a tech to change out the alternator. Afraid I am too old and fat to attempt it by myself. You really have to get in the bowels of the machine to change out the alternator.

Thanks for your input.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I tried the AC off and on several times. It does not fluctuate much. Drops maybe from 12.9 to 12.8. It is a continual drop. I will see what happens tomorrow. At the end of the day today, it was down to 12.2.

Before I got serious about the repair, I raised the cab and did a full spring cleaning. I checked the alternator belt and it was taught. I also used electronic cleaner and washed out the alternator. And sprayed the belts with belt conditioner.

I will try again tomorrow, and then get a tech to change out the alternator. Afraid I am too old and fat to attempt it by myself. You really have to get in the bowels of the machine to change out the alternator.

Thanks for your input.

If you put a board down to lay on under the seat its not too bad to access. I had a broken wire (main charge wire) on my 773 at 1600 hours. Is the machine beeping and the battery/alternator light coming on?
Normal running voltage should be 14.5, even with lights and ac on.
Ken

 

[richm01]

Follow up. After I replaced the battery, I found out the battery was A OK! I kept it as a spare as it is 700 CCA. Then, I read and reread the large service manual I bot with the machine. Clearly it said, I have a bad althernator. I called and was sent a new alternator. $250.00 included UPS.

Still did not solve the problem and I paid a tech to install. Voltage was right at 12.8 to 12.6 and dropped after running.

I read some more. Then I put my thinking cap on and REMEMBERED. After a year or so the lift arms broke and had to be replaced as there was a faulty weld.

Inside the lift arm is a wiring harness for my backhoe front. The harness plugs to the factory wiring harness.

When you check the voltage, the book instructs you to read from the hot lead from the alternator and the negative on the battery. That is where I was getting 12.6, the same on my cab read out.

I UNPLUGGED the 7 wire plug from the engine cab harness to the 7 plug outlet at the front of the machine.

LIKE the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel! Unplugging the harness and the voltage jumped to 13.5, as the book says it should be.

I replaced the $200. wiring harness for the back hoe, and problem solved.

Hope this might save someone else some money. I now have an extra 80 amp used alternator and a spare battery.

Thanks for all your help. RAM

 

[some zilch]

the lift arms broke

i have never seen bobcat lift arms break in 8 years at a bobcat dealership catering to road construction and quarries...........

 

[richm01]

Send me your email, and I will send you photographs. Actually, it did not break, a weld near the bottom did not adhere. Once the weld let go, the boom twisted and it was history. I have about 50 photogrpahs.

Perimeter Bobcat in Atlanta took care of the repair under warranty. It was a tad out of the covered period.

 

[some zilch]

pm sent; i am not doubting you, just surprised. i have seen sticks ripped out of excavators, drums ripped out of rollers, etc. stuff happens

 

[richm01]

some zilch:

Did you get the photographs I sent you?

COMMENTS?

Thx,

 

[Transit]

Does the alternator have a built in or external voltage regulator? The regulator on my Jinma was set too low.