Issue with my M1008 this weekend

[Randyw]

Took my 1008 to my camp this weekend and Saturday evening we did a lot of trail riding. the truck spent a good bit of that time ideling and just crawling throught the woods. after a couple hours of riding I noticed my volt gauge indicated my battery was dead. The radio stopped working and all my lights went dim. None of the gen lights came on indicating a alternator problem but could it be time to get them rebuilt? After charging the battery for the ride home the truck did fine on the highway at normal speeds. the volt gauge showed a full charge all the way home. It seems that the alternator is not charging when the truck is at idle or low speeds. Any thoughts?

 

[Cucvnut]

I have had the issue with my M!008 is that at low idle the Alts dont excite and charge.

 

[Randyw]

This is the first time I have had this problem. The truck has been on many rides similar to this with no issues. Is there a fix to the problem?

 

[Cucvnut]

I think my issue is that I need to rebuild my alts. could be the same for you. im sure some one who knows more will chime in.

 

[antennaclimber]

Some idling engines may not keep up with higher current demands. If you have the lights, heater, radio and other items on for extended periods of time, it may be possible for the batteries to go low. I have seen passenger cars go dead with the engine running at idle. Jump start them and they work fine at higher than idle engine speeds.

It would be a good idea to check belt tension on both alternators, check battery connections and load test the batteries.



Some of the public safety vehicles that we have worked on have a high idle feature to prevent this from happening.
Karl

 

[63bravo]

generators

i just had both my generators rebuilt at one of thoes oldschool rebuild shops,noe mu cucv is charging perfect , dont buy any new ones get the oem stuff rebuilt, it really sounds like you need them rebuilt

 

[Randyw]

Thanks 63Bravo! if you dont mind me asking what did the rebuilds cost. Is your CUCV charging good at low speeds or idle after the rebuilds? Thanks!

 

[Cucvnut]

My shop charges 100 per alt. People on here do it them selfs for way cheaper. But i dont trust my self.

 

[63bravo]

well you can go on utube and research the overhaul procedure, the unit is a 27si series ,I usually do my own but i dont have the test equipment to bench test , i live in pa , i have had several m1009 love them, and to answer your question it cost 75 each money well spent, this thing now charges perfect , i run the truck in very slow moving parades with head lights and my convoy strobe flashing and never skiped a beat ,where do you live, we need more trucks for the local events,i was trying too up load some pics but cant seem to do it , i was a mechanic in the military and now i work for the city as a diesel tech.

 

[Randyw]

Thanks for the info Bravo! I wont chance doing it my self I will take them to the local shop. I live in Bridge City Texas near the La. border. I use my truck for a lot of trail riding and slow moving stuff as well. I wanted to put some good light bars for lighting at night but was pretty upset with the issues I had this weekend thinking the batteries would not hold up. Thanks for the help!

 

[63bravo]

wow a bit far from pa, ok after you get your charging system fixed and install your off road lighting make sure your lights are hooked too a good 30 or 50 amp relay or relays,and of course fuses , if it fits your budget go with the high intensity led they draw way less than the old hologen bulbs , we use these on all our service trucks , really efective , and were starting to use these on some of our new military vehicles

 

[Randyw]

Thanks Bravo! I will definatly be going with the LED's