Charging Problem for the hard of understanding.

[oldgit]

The situation so far. .
Engine start batteries charge from Genny and Shore power.
Both sets of batteries Leisure and Starter charge via Genny and Shore Power.
Problem is charging when underway via engine alternators.
Leisure batteries ( both tested OK) will not charge unless EMG/ All is switched ON while underway .
Volts as tested at batteries with multimeter and no load.

Suspect the starboard alternator has a problem ?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

The situation so far. .
Engine start batteries charge from Genny and Shore power.
Both sets of batteries Leisure and Starter charge via Genny and Shore Power.
Problem is charging when underway via engine alternators.
Leisure batteries ( both tested OK) will not charge unless EMG/ All is switched ON while underway .
Volts as tested at batteries with multimeter and no load.
View attachment 185614
Suspect the starboard alternator has a problem ?

Paul R is probably your man for this. However, I would suggest that you have an installation wiring problem with your switching arrangements, at the very least.
I would suggest that a more detailed description of your installation, perhaps a wiring diagram, if you can, is needed before any meaningful reply can be given.
Sorry to be a bit negative in reply.

 

[salar]

Hard of understanding here too, but I also have a multi charge, multi battery option. The problem with charging multiple batteries is that the alternator will sense the battery capacity and stop charging at a lower level than max, and if there is more than one battery connected that complicates the ability to sense. Some have a separate sensing wire. Shore power charging doesn't have that restriction so it charges batteries that the alternator thinks are charged enough. There are lots of options for this to go wrong through faulty connections or incorrect wiring. My solution was to fit a Victron battery management system, wire it in properly and leave it to look after things. It's working wel!

 

[Refueler]

Just 'spit-balling' here ....

Is your alternator charging to Start bank and then a VSR to charge leisure bank ? Maybe if start bank is not ON then the VSR will not redirect charge as it needs start batts to be fully charged and 'ON' ? Assuming that you are using Leisure batts to start engines - that could mean alternator is not being excited to start charging - VSR is in the way ?

 

[Sandy]

What voltage is your alt producing?

If it is charging your starter batteries OK, but

Leisure batteries ( both tested OK) will not charge unless EMG/ All is switched ON while underway .

sounds like somebody has not wired up the output from the alt to the switch/batteries correctly.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Stb alternator does look suspect with the Emg switch on, but something is odd with the Emg switch off, looks like no charging unless both engines are running, odd.

It looks almost certain that whatever split charging device you have is not working.

What switching do you have ?

How are the batteries connected, both engines start from engine batteries, or one from engine battery and the other from the domestics, or what ?

Can you post a pic of the alternators (wiring end) ?

Any sign of a VSR or diode pack etc ?

Remind me what boat, engines ?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Stb alternator does look suspect with the Emg switch on, but something is odd with the Emg switch off, looks like no charging unless both engines are running, odd.

It looks almost certain that whatever split charging device you have is not working.

What switching do you have ?

How are the batteries connected, both engines start from engine batteries, or one from engine battery and the other from the domestics, or what ?

Can you post a pic of the alternators (wiring end) ?

Any sign of a VSR or diode pack etc ?

Remind me what boat, engines ?

+1 for that, decidedly odd