T&T: Alternator Charging

[Joe Urban]

Lee,
 I have a Delco 19si alternator on my Cummins 330B.  It has been converted to
external regulation and dialed back to 80 amps max.   I removed the shield
from the front of the engine.  I have a CruzPro digital gauge and I find that
the voltmeter on the lower helm is just a little off, however, my upper helm
voltmeter is way off and actually when the alternator is at low output it
shows the system as discharging, when actually it is still charging.
I would install an accurate digital gauge.
The engine heaters are alternator killers on the cummins ( they draw 60-120
amps ).  I find that above 60 degrees you never need them.  I have wired a
switch with an indicator light on the lower helm to turn them off when they
are not needed.  I also moved the heaters from my start battery to my house
bank.
 Joe Urban
Punches - Monk 36
Stuart, FL & lancaster, VA