Sterling Alternator Controller Failed?

[Mat B]

My Sterling Marine Power 4 Stage Alternator Controller has stopped working and the high voltage trip light is on.

 

The instructions say it will trip if the batteries are over 15.5V or the the alternator d+ terminal is over 17.5V.

 

The trip light comes on as soon as the ignition switch is on, i.e. before I start the engine, the batteries are sitting at 12.4V

 

It's an old-style yellow controller.

 

Any ideas?

 

m@

[frangar]

I'm no fan of sterling equipment but you might find the regulator in the alternator has failed rather than the sterling unit.....try taking off the sense wire to the alternator and see what the voltage is.....it may be a yellow wire but please check this info!

 

Do you know what make the alternator is?

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Mat B]

I'm no fan of sterling equipment but you might find the regulator in the alternator has failed rather than the sterling unit.....try taking off the sense wire to the alternator and see what the voltage is.....it may be a yellow wire but please check this info!

 

Do you know what make the alternator is?

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

The alternator regulator must be OK because the alternator is working normally, just not getting any boost.

 

m@

[frangar]

Sorry...just read its tripping before the engine is running!

 

I would take some voltage readings with a multimeter to see what's happening.

 

There is a fuse in the yellow box but I don't think it would give that fault if it has blown

 

What voltages are you getting when you start the engine?

 

It does sound like the units faulty...you could try speaking to Sterling....I must admit I have never had a civil conversation with Mr Sterling himself but others have said that the company have been helpful.

 

If you need to replace the unit consider fitting an Adverc instead!!

 

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

Edited August 1, 2013 by frangar

[Mat B]

Sorry...just read its tripping before the engine is running!

 

I would take some voltage readings with a multimeter to see what's happening.

 

There is a fuse in the yellow box but I don't think it would give that fault if it has blown

 

What voltages are you getting when you start the engine?

 

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

Internal fuse is OK

 

These are the voltages at the regulator relative to the engine block:

(Engine stopped/Engine running)

 

Brown Alternator D+ 1.3V 14.2V

White Alternator Field 1V 10.5V

Blacks Negative 1mV -10mV

Red Battery sense 12.5V 13V

Yellow Ignition switch 12.5V 13.2V

[smileypete]

If the batts are half flat before starting eng then the above may well be OK, some current readings would help.

 

Probably a standard 14.4V internal reg will do alone if you have normal unsealed leisure batts, no splitter diode, and the wiring is up to snuff.

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited August 2, 2013 by smileypete

[by'eck]

Internal fuse is OK

 

These are the voltages at the regulator relative to the engine block:

(Engine stopped/Engine running)

 

Brown Alternator D+ 1.3V 14.2V

White Alternator Field 1V 10.5V

Blacks Negative 1mV -10mV

Red Battery sense 12.5V 13V

Yellow Ignition switch 12.5V 13.2V

 

Suggest returning unit to Sterling. If beyond economic repair they often offer a replacement at substantial discount.