Alternator?

[NHGuy]

I'm seeing only 12 or 11.8 volts for a few minutes sometimes on the first start of a day. Then after a warmup I will bring it on plane and the voltage will pop back to normal. The other night I did this and it didn't go to normal as quickly as it has been. That was the first time I've cold started it at night and run with lights while this was happening. So maybe the added draw of the lights matters.
I'm thinking, check voltage with a meter and if it's really doing what the dash guage says to get a rebuild kit.
Or as some have said I will order some more electrical smoke since it appears mine is almost out.

 

[Fun Times]

Sounds like the alternator exciter is not being activated at engine startup and with the extra load of the lights being on would keep the volts on the low side like that.

When you start your engine and let it idle to warm up, it is recommended that you rev the engine up past 800-1300 RPM (< depending on engine/alternator models) in order to excite the alternator so it will start charging.

Most fuel injected engines are designed to automatically rev the engine at startup to help get the alternator exciter charging.

 

[tpenfield]

Yea, either a battery that is looking for its exit or the alternator. Maybe check both battery(ies) and alternator.

 

[Fastatv]

I'm seeing only 12 or 11.8 volts for a few minutes sometimes on the first start of a day. Then after a warmup I will bring it on plane and the voltage will pop back to normal. The other night I did this and it didn't go to normal as quickly as it has been. That was the first time I've cold started it at night and run with lights while this was happening. So maybe the added draw of the lights matters.
I'm thinking, check voltage with a meter and if it's really doing what the dash guage says to get a rebuild kit.
Or as some have said I will order some more electrical smoke since it appears mine is almost out.

I have always enjoyed the " electrical component out of smoke thing " that people say...lol. I know this is going to sound dumb but have you checked the alternator belt tension? My charging was a little erratic the other day, the belt had probably two inches of deflection, tightened it up, now good to go.