Military Vehicle Repair: cucv 1009, tough as nails, cucv

Question
Van, what about the electical side of the problem? Any ideas as to why its doing this?
Rob
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Followup To
Question -
Electrical issues have abounded with this truck. Other than that, I have nary a complaint. But...there are times when the 24v guage will peg low, the lights will dim, wipers if on, will crawl. You can smell something getting hot electrically. If you shut it off for a little while, it will restart and be just fine. WHen this does happen, there is not adverse drop in performance from the engine. I have been having charging issues recently now as well. Drivers alternator will go to 16.2 and pass. side up to 32!!!! What the heck is going on? I love this truck as its tough as nails. Many make passing jokes about it, but most of them have had to be towed out with it!! Any ideas? Starter is new, glow plugs new, batteries new (optimas)
Answer -
Rob, one reason the low power wouldn't bother the engine operation, is because all it uses is a fuel shutoff solenoid in the injector pump, and as long as it is open, everything on the engine is mechanical, and actually needs no electricity.

Van

Answer
Hello Rob,
I sent this yesterday, but in case you didn't get it, here it is again.

Hello Rob,
Those readings on the alternators are close to correct, although a
little
high.
I would say possibly a loose connection, and one place where that could
happen and effect both, would be where all the wires pass through the
firewall.

The alternators, by the way, are identical, and interchangable. The
difference is the way each is grounded.
The drivers side alternator is grounded to the block, and the
passengers
side alternator is NOT. Its ground, or actually negative terminal is
not
connected to ground, but rather, it is connected to 12 volts. From
there,
it charges another 14 volts, and charges the second battery in the
system.

Any loose wire that is carrying power will get hot, so you will need to
check till you find it.

That 24 volt battery indicator is operated by a relay under the dash,
and
really does nothing except measure the voltage. Could be the source of
the
smell though, although I don't think it would make anything dim down,
or
run slowly, so I would look at the fuse block, and that firewall
connector.

Van