Paint On Alternator Bracket Can Prevent Battery From Recharging Caterpillar

Paint On Alternator Bracket Can Prevent Battery From Recharging

Usage:

MINI HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR 301.5 (3YW310-466, 3YW468-496) MINI HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS

Problem:

Reference: Operation and Maintenance Manual, 301.5 Mini Hydraulic Excavator, SEBU7152-02; Safety Section; Machine Parking, page 15

Reference: Operation and Maintenance Manual, 301.5 Mini Hydraulic Excavator, SEBU7152-02; Maintenance Section; Adjusting the Belt Tension

Reference: Operation and Maintenance Manual, 301.5 Mini Hydraulic Excavator, SEBU7152-02; Maintenance Section; Checking the Belt Tension

The paint that is used on the 149-1342 Alternator Bracket (1) may act as an insulator in the alternator's ground circuit. See Illustration 1. This condition can prevent the battery from being recharged. Symptoms of this problem range from failure of the machine to start, to illumination of the charge light during normal machine operations.

Solution:

To determine if there is a problem in the alternator's ground circuit, start the engine and test the alternator for the proper voltage and current levels. Jump start the engine, if necessary.

The voltage, when read with a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the alternator and any ground point on the engine housing, should be approximately 14 volts. The current, with an ammeter inserted in the alternator circuit, should range between 5-50 amps, depending on the battery's charge and the electrical load.

If the tests do not yield these results, replace the existing alternator bracket with a new 149-1342 bracket (1) that has a plated finish.

Bracket Replacement Procedure

1. Park the machine.

2. Remove the operator's seat.

3. Remove the 152-6644 inspection panel plate.

4. Loosen the 7X-2537 bolt (10), but do not remove this bolt. See Illustration 1.

5. Remove the 8T-6685 bolt (3) to detach the alternator from the alternator bracket.

NOTE: Take care to prevent damage to the 155-0082 strap (11) because the alternator is being supported only by the strap at this point.

6. Remove the three 8T-4189 bolts (7).

7. Slide the alternator bracket (1) down and out in order to remove the bracket.

8. Apply 9S-3263 Thread Lock (2) to the three 8T-4189 bolts (7).

9. Attach the new 149-1342 bracket (1) with the three 8T-4189 bolts (7).

NOTE: Ensure that the 4P-8134 clip (9) is reinstalled with installation of the top, right 8T-4189 bolt (7).

NOTE: It is important to use Thread Lock on the three 8T-4189 bolts (7) since it is not possible to torque these bolts.

10. Attach the alternator to the bracket (1) using the 8T-6685 bolt (3), the three 5P-4121 washers (4), the 7C-9465 spacer (5), and the 6V-7744 locknut (6).

11. Move the alternator in or out to obtain the correct belt tension. Tighten the 7X-2537 bolt (10). Recheck the belt deflection.

12. Reinstall the 152-6644 inspection panel plate.

13. Reinstall the operator's seat.

14. Check the machine for proper operation.

Illustration 1.