Volt meter flickering whilst engine running

[thamesS23]

We are currently cruising on our holiday on the Thames and it seems that our fridge has given up earlier then usual this year, in fact it seems to have stopped keeping cold almost an hour after we stopped to moor up after a 3 hour run on day 3!
Not sure if it is just the leisure batteries not being up to scratch but they are only 2 years old. I have noticed though that when the engine is running, the volt meter is flicking up and down (between about 11 & 14 volts) and I don’t think it has ever done that before. I’m a total novice when it comes to boat electronics, but does this mean anything and could it be connected to the fridge / battery life problem?

cheers

Chris

https://twitter.com/chrismoore1974

 

[kashurst]

could be the house/domestic battery is not charging and is now too low to run the fridge - do the inside lights work?

it could be a loose connection(s) somewhere - hopefully just a loose wire- hence the flickering and possibly a flat battery
or you have an alternator fault - hence the flickering and possibly a flat battery
or a possible duff battery now if it is not being charged correctly over a few days
or a duff fridge

if electrics is not your thing better get a boat electrician to come and have a look.

 

[halcyon]

We are currently cruising on our holiday on the Thames and it seems that our fridge has given up earlier then usual this year, in fact it seems to have stopped keeping cold almost an hour after we stopped to moor up after a 3 hour run on day 3!
Not sure if it is just the leisure batteries not being up to scratch but they are only 2 years old. I have noticed though that when the engine is running, the volt meter is flicking up and down (between about 11 & 14 volts) and I don’t think it has ever done that before. I’m a total novice when it comes to boat electronics, but does this mean anything and could it be connected to the fridge / battery life problem?

cheers

Chris

https://twitter.com/chrismoore1974

Could be worn or sticking brushes in the alternator, is the warning light flickering on ?

Brian

 

[Momac]

Is the alternator belt tension okay? Belt not slipping?

 

[RobWales]

Possibly the voltage regulator inside the alternator.....had the very same problem a few months ago and replacement of the regulator cured the problem.
Any auto electrician can diagnose and repair.

 

[thamesS23]

Thanks for all the reply’s, I will have a look (or get someone to have a look who knows what they’re doing)

 

[Momac]

If you have a kad32 engine check that the raw water pump is not leaking. The pump can leak and drip on the alternator.

 

[rosssavage]

Unfortunately intermittent electrical faults can be a devil to resolve.

My first thought follows above advice - alternator issue. Whether it’s brushes, regulator, water leaking onto it etc that would be my first port if call - all other issues are likely to stem from that (poorly charged battery, volt meter flictuations etc..).

But, of course, those symptoms could also indicate a wiring fault....

So before you start paying, have a good poke around everything. Start at the alternator - see if it’s being leaked on. Then follow all wiring back, giving everything a good wiggle / tug. You may get lucky and spot a corroded or failing terminal or connection.

Gut feeling is that you’re going to have to get a man in to have a proper look with a multimeter and an understanding of electrics!

Hopefully it’s just the alternator diodes / regulator..I’ve done both mine on my boat (2 alternators) and it’s a relatively cheap and easy fix.

Good luck!!