I'm new to boating, whilst also new to engines and electrical systems (which appears to be a common combination / problem). Whilst recently moving on board we have encountered a few issues with the starter motor and ignition switch, which now appear to be fixed, though we're now on to the next 2 challenges ...
1. When the engine is running the power management panel (Sterling) indicates that we are generating 11.8v, however I would have expected it to show increased power and therefore be reading 13.5v - 14.8v whilst the engine is running, and then to drop to ~12.6v once the engine is off and battery charged. Is my understanding correct, and we are therefore not generating the right amount of power from the engine / alternator? [I believe it could be caused by slippage of the alternator belt which will likely soon need replacing anyway]
2. Once the engine is turned on the battery light is consistently flickering on the engine control panel, probably 4-5x per second. After running for a few hours it then appeared to stop. We have a single leisure battery at present (in the process of sourcing new ones, but want the full system up and running appropriately first) and that didn't appear to hold any charge overnight despite 3 hours with the engine on. Then once again this morning the flickering occurred.
We have an Isuzu engine and a 12v alternator, connected to the starter and leisure with a split relay.
I'll be very grateful for any advice you can offer, this forum has already served as wealth of knowledge.
Thanks,
DooW