Alternator charging delay on start up?

[aeventyr60]

I recently installed a new alternator and upon engine start up there is a few minutes delay before it starts to put out power. When I bump up the RPM's it comes to life.

I redid all the connectors, tinned wire in good shape and sized accordingly.

Any thoughts/remedies for this?

What may be the cause?

[Faster]

I'm sure you'll get a more expert reply, but I believe some of the newer regulators intentionally delay exciting the field on the alternator to allow it come up to speed before loading it up... this may or may not be what's happening... Mitiempo? Bill? Mainesail??

[killarney_sailor]

Another inexpert suggestion perhaps - the belt(s) have the right tension? I have found that cold belts seem to slip but grip better once things heat up. That could explain the few minutes delay and also why it kicks in at higher revs.

[Capt Len]

Same diameter pulley?? if bigger it's turning slower.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Faster

I'm sure you'll get a more expert reply, but I believe some of the newer regulators intentionally delay exciting the field on the alternator to allow it come up to speed before loading it up... this may or may not be what's happening... Mitiempo? Bill? Mainesail??

Some of the external regulators do have a delay start such as the Balmar MC-612, MC-614, adjustable for length of time.

But if you have an internal regulator I don't think that could be the reason.

Belt slippage is possible.

Is it wired the same as the previous alt?

[PBzeer]

I bought a new Balmar alternator in '06, to which I added an external regulator. I don't recall if the delay is a function of the external regulator, or the alternator itself. What I do know about it, is that it's designed for easier engine starting.

[aeventyr60]

Thanks, all good replies.

Same wiring as previous alternator.

No external regulator.

Pulley is smaller then the 2 on the engine, sized alternator pulley to engine RPM'S to down grade the output. ( more on this idea later)

Bought High Quality made in USA "gates" brand belt while in Singapore a month or so ago.

Tension-Maybe could crank down on it a but, seems to put out good amperage when batteries are down, no squeel, also alternator output about right when batteries are at a high charge rate. Blew out a few cheap quality belts when I had belt tension higher on a smaller out put alternator , so am a bit "belt shy" on cranking it down.

Thanks!
Matt

[-OvO-]

Daddy always said that that if your belt tension is too high you'll wear the bearings out quickly.

[capttb]

Many modern alternators don't put out power untill the first time a certain "trigger" speed is reached, say 1200 rpm's. So on startup and at idle 0 output, first time it hits trigger speed it starts putting out and continues at all speeds until you shut down. Might be normal.

[Rockter]

A delay of that length is not normal.
It is better though to keep the revs high when charging, as it improves the air-cooling airflow through the alternator.
It also keeps the belt tension down. Charging at low engine speed gives the belt a harder time than charging at faster engine speed. The belt tends to squeal more at low speed than high.
Perhaps you just need to blip the throttle a little to start the process?
.