Alternator Diodes?

[TopperHarley]

Hi,

I own a small marine diesel (bukh dv8) and have recently been having alternator charging problems (12.6-13v only). This has come on rather suddenly... Before hand I was getting a solid 13.4v.

I recently had a problem with the engine key switch, it physically jammed . To get the engine going I though I was macgyver and hot wired the starter wire to positive and got it started no problems.

It then occurred to me that the alternator was running without the "accessories" on, as the key switch remained in the off position.

Could this have damaged my alternator/diodes?

Thanks,
Macgyver

[Wotname]

Possibily but not usually; a dud battery could also be the culprit for the low charging volts.

[smac999]

your alt probably needs an ign source to start itself up. that might be the reason it's not working.

stop jury rigging crap and fix it.