T&T: Temperature gage Variation

[Richard P Blake]

I recently had the alternator modified to use an external 3 stage
regulator. Since the installation 
of the new regulator, the temp reads about 5 degrees higher while the
regulator 
has the alternator in either the bulk or Absorb mode.

Brian,  It is very possible that the 3 stage regulator is putting a extra
load on the engine as the 
field current  is increased.  I once had alternator belt that was
slightly worn but tightly 
adjusted,  slip to the point that the engine temperature was about 10
degrees higher.  I went 
through the whole cooling system and could not resolve the problem. 
Finally as a last resort
I replaced the belt even though it looked fine and the temp dropped 10
degrees and has been 
fine every since.  That extra load could be causing the belt to heat up
and the raw water 
or engine water pump to slip a little bit.


Regards,  Rick Blake
"Private Reserve" Port Charlotte, Fl.
36' Nantucket Sedan Powered by Yanmar
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved
body, 
But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting...'Holy
S**t...What a Ride!"