We installed 2 new batterys and we are getting 29V at the batterys on a meter. Should it be closer to 24v?
No, it'll be higher than 24V to charge the batteries. A 12V system charges at about 13.6 volts. A 24V system usually runs about 28 volts when charging. Those new batteries had probably lost a little charge on the shelf and the voltage will come down a little when they charge up. Check all connections (batteries and alternator) good, that can make the voltage go up some.
make sure that the voltage does go down after they charge up if not alternator is over charging and will boil the batteries dry
Thanks for the info. we just had the alternaton tested at Carquest and it was putting out 29.7v Ill call link belt in the morning to make sure of the output before we reinstall it.
the output sounds right what im saying is it should go down when the batteries are charged so that it wont over charge them just something you need to check after its ran for a bit
Actually the voltage will go up as the batteries become charged. The amperage will go down as the counter voltage in the battery rises. The formulation of the plates now days has brought the charged voltage up to 28 to 30 volts.
The little ant stands corrected kemosabi:notworthy
Thanks for the battery info. Remember the 29.7v came from a test stand, so that could be the max voltage obtained, just like the max amps at max speed, that is not what it's going to putting out day to day. On a different note, theoretically some alternators are designed to put out higher voltage when cold, don't know how this translates in the real world though.