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Chieftain main engine generator does not charge - advice from expert needed


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Hi,

We have a Chieftain Mk 10 that had been standing for years before we started it up some years ago but the problem is that the main engine generator does not charge.

We made some serious troubleshooting a few years ago (using a qualified engineer reading the wiring diagram) but the only conclusion was that there is nothing coming out of the generator.

The GUE is working, but the problem is that the cables to control the GUE from the drivers compartement are stuck and we have been trying to get them working with lots of rust oil and gentle rocking. But still stuck.

 

So for the main generator - we would need some hints what to check in order to find out what is wrong.

Some generators loose the magnetism when left for a long time, could this be the case? If so, how to "recharge"?

Could the generator axle be broken due to overload when charging dead batteries? The upgraded Centurions with Continental diesel had this problem.

Any other ideas what to check?

We have not (yet) thought of lifting the pack. We hope that we do not need to.

Any advice that could lead us in the right direction would be most appreciated.

 

Stefan Karlsson, Director

Swedish Tank Museum - Arsenalen

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Believe that it is not a dynamo, but an alternator. As such it does not have a magnetic core but uses primary and secondary windings.

Think in this case it take a LT feed of 24v into the armature to create the spinning magnetic field and as that passes through the secondary windings that creates the high voltage output.

First thing to check is whether the is a LT feed to the contacts on the armature, then to check to see if the bushes are making a good contact.

Believe that the contacts on the armature can wear down leave a build up of metal swarf in the gaps between the contacts.

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I take it you are starting the main engine direct from the batteries on the main engine switch panel, putting the GEN switch offline to start, (the red discharge lamp should be on, on the main battery isolator switch)and then once started, flick the gen switch online-the red discharge lamp will then go out (the green charge lamp will only come on if the batteries are low) check battery voltage with a meter to confirm no charge.

If no charge-check your fuses, but from what you say, it has had stagnant water in the engine bay which has penetrated the control cables, and, as the genny sits at the bottom nearside of the main engine, has probably suffered.

fairly easy though to remove the auxillary engine to access both the generator and the control cables.

Let us know how you get on.......

Terry

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I've only got the AVRE AESP to hand, but it says that the L60 main engine generator (No.5 Mk.4) is a four pole compound wound DC machine, i.e. a dynamo. It does however have an external control panel that provides excitation, so if that doesn't work neither will the generator. The circuitry looks pretty complex so I'd advise finding someone who understands it before deciding on a pack lift.

 

Andy

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