Conference unifix::sailing

    I also have a "dynastart" on my boat.  It is a combination starter and
    generator in one unit.  I am concerned about the fact that it does not
    seem to be charging though.  I just spent a considerable amount of time
    with the engine on over the last (long) weekend (prob 40hours) and at
    the end the batteries were flat !
    
    From the reading that I have done so far, I have come up with the
    following info:
    
    1. This generator seems to output about a max of 140 Watts Vs. 450 that
    would be output by the alternator option for this engine.
    
    2. Generators seem more sensitive to RPM's than Alternators and I
    probably ran the engine at low revs for most/all of the time.
    
    Point 2 seems to be borne out by the fact that I revved up the engine
    at one point to 2200 RPM and was able to start the heater (which has a
    low voltage cut out) .... the heater would not start at lower RPM's
    
    The engine is a Volvo MD2D fitted with the "Dynastart" option.  I would
    be interested in some suggestions that would help me  address this
    problem.
    
    P.s. both batteries are fairly new... they have been stored ashore
    during the winter and were fully charged on land before they were
    installed.  I believe that they are not part of the problem.
    
    Thanks   Graham.

    Just to clarify why I placed the note here, I was hoping that someone
    out there could point to the probable cause of the charging problem.  
    
    My guesses are either that it has to do with the Revs of the engine or
    it is a problem with the unit itself.  If it is the unit, what would be
    the most probable failed component ?
    
    If anyone can shed light on this I would appreciate it. 
    
    Graham

    In the service manual of the Volvo Penta is a diagramm of the
    Dynastart.(My manual is on the boat,I will have a look next sunday)
    
    I would recommand to install one of this cheap car-amperemeters and
    voltmeter.Its easy done and you have an indication what your charger
    /batterie is doing.(low rev for instance)
    
    A Dynastart is (if my memory is correct) a DC generator which
    can be used as a starter motor.
    
    Probable causes: Fuse ! Volvo Penta is using a special fuse holder
    somewhere on the engine block.It has 4 faston tabs on one side and
    one  faston tab on the other side.There are 4 fuses (small wires)
    inside.Only one of the 4 faston is used.You have 3 spare fuses.
    I have removed this fuse holder on my engine and replaced it with
    a normal fuse.To often it did not make contact.Using a different tab
    did not help.Probably the central connecting point was corroded.
    
    Another problem could be the regulator.A DC regulator is working
    similar like an alternator regulator.The  difference: the DC
    regulator is switching much higher currents and fails more often.
    In its easiest version it is some sort of relay with a few resistors
    and coils.
    
    Peter

    Sorry,my manual does not include the Dynastart anymore.I used to have
    a MD2B.I gave the manual with my boat away and the Dynastart is not
    included in the manual of the bigger motor (MD17D) anymore.
    
    Peter