With power on the field the alternator is acting like a synchronous motor.
But not being strong enough to turn over the engine it just sits there and
dissipates the energy as heat.  I think the heat problem would be normal
with your wiring configuration, but as to any damage to the alternator?
This is just a quick guess, there is probably nothing wrong with the
alternator, unless the temps got so high as to melt the wiring.


Bob Perkinson
Hendersonville, TN.
RV9A
If Nothing Changes
Nothing Changes!

For those of you in the know, is it normal for an alternator to seep
current and get warm when the field coil is powered up?  Is this
something I need to fix?  If so, should I cancel my trip?  I think it
has probably been going on for a long time but...

Dave Leonard