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I have a Volvo tmd41A engine in my boat. I have an intermittent problem. Sometimes when I turn the ignition on the battery warning light does not come on but the oil light does. When this happens I can start the engine but the tacho does not work and the battery is not being charged by the alternator. When this happens I can travel along and then after a few minutes the tacho will suddenly start to work and the alternator charges the battery. At other times when I go to start the engine all is normal and then after a period of use the tacho goes down and the alternator does not charge the battery. Any advise would be appreciated.. Dave R........
it sounds like the field coils of the alternator are not being excited. The ignition light is part of this circuit. Often a loose connection on the ignition light (as the lamp is not blown). Maybe you can trace the circuit from the ignition key to the alternator. Check for loose connections.
The reason the tacho is not working is that it is usual for the tacho to be run off the alternator. So if the alternator is not active neither will the tacho.
I have had a similar fault, and found that the solar panels were keeping the battery well charged, and the alternator was still trying to charge the batteries. Because the alternator on my boat does not have battery sensing, it kept trying to charge the battery, even when it was not necessary. This caused the tacho and the ignition (battery charge) light to pulsate once a second. A slightly drained battery fixed my problem. However, I don't think you problem would necessarily be similar to mine. But I would check the "ignition" circuit from key switch to alternator.
I had a similar thing on mine. It was the bulb in the ignition had come loose causing an intermittent connection. Cleaned under the bulb contacts and bulb, refitted and all is now fine. Worth a quick check first before tracing wiring back to the alternator.
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DaveR
Apr-22-2014 @ 1:05 PM
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