Perkins Perama M20 Electrical Fault

[william sellers]

Hi, I need help! I did a stupid thing, after being told not to turn ignition off before stopping the engine, I did just that. Now the engine starts fine and runs no problem, but the charge light no longer iluminates and the rev counter doesnt work either. Have I damaged the alternator or just blown a fuse somewhere?

[barnakiel]

Normally it is the diodes in the regulator that blow. Locate the regulator, remove, check the diodes, replace if necessary.

b.

[william sellers]

Thanks Barnakiel, I'll check it out. Bill.

[william sellers]

I found the wiring diagram, the regulator must be in the alternator? Bill.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by william sellers

I found the wiring diagram, the regulator must be in the alternator? Bill.

What make of alternator?

I have seen both internally and externally mounted regulators. All of them on the rear housing or just beneath it.

Payne gives exact directions in 'The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible'. I will try to copy the relevant part and send it to you.

b.

[barnakiel]

Now I have looked up and Perkins may have a Lucas alternator, likely A127 or similar. These have external regulators. See images below.

http://www.vehicleelectricsshop.co.u...ducts/1271.jpg

http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.u...c058_large.jpg

Looks similar?
b.

[william sellers]

Thanks for all your research and info. I went to the boat this am. I was lucky, found a broken terminal connected to a rather fat stumpy fuse on a large negative wire. Must have been vibration. Repaired and back in working order. Thanks again for your input. Bill

[barnakiel]

Hooray! Congrats! See if you can move the whole thing to a less vibrating location.

Be careful when working on all and any wires leading to the alternator / starter / etc. - best keep the engine battery completely disconnected then (I actually remove the clamp from the negative pole of the starter battery.)

Seen an amazing show of fireworks when one 'mechanic' was trying to solve a challenge we had on one of the boats I worked for... ;-)

Cheers,
b.

[wchutchings]

I have a Perkins M20 diesel on a catamaran and after turning the toggle switch on to start the engine, nothing happens. Usually the alarm light and buzzer are immediately activated, after which the glow plug is depressed and the push button is depressed to start the engine. I'm going to pull the panel off during daylight within the next few days, but thought I'd ask around beforehand for any ideas as to potential problems that might have developed. Thanks, Bill

[KetchinUp]

I have a Perkins Perama M20 I believe. It is 3 cylinders about 18 or 19 horsepower put in 1999. the alternator is bad, and I cannot find a way to reach around to the stupid location for the bolt that holds the tensioner. The tensioning bolt head is positioned on the inside near the engine with no space, rather than facing you as you stare at the engine front. I don't happen to have a U-shaped wrench and baby hands.
Does anyone have a solution? Also. an alternator recommendation?
I sail a freedom 28 cat Ketch