Alternator advice

[skyhigh123]

I spoke to the very helpful chap at http://www.startermotor-alternator.co.uk/ (thanks for that info. Phil) who said check the wiring to the alternator by removing the large 2 wire feed on the alternator, turn on ignition and test for 12 volts from each wire-check was good-12 volts at each. So that wiring seems good
I then tried testing the alternator after disconnecting the battery and, yes, the engine did keep running and the reading from the alternator output (heavy duty wire) to earth was 11.5 volts which seems low.
I'm wondering now whether the alternator has partially failed, producing enough charge to extinguish the red warning light but not enough to charge the battery.
Anyway I've booked it in at a local garage to get them to check the alternator on Wednesday and then, if necessary I'll research the best, i.e. cheapest way of getting an alternator here,

Tony

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

-Tony, do you mean to check each 2 wire feed on the alternator with the motor running, or just with the ignition switched on?

[skyhigh123]

Test the two wires with ignition on, engine not running

[missfixit70]

If you're only getting 11.5v from the alternator - it's goosed, see if there're any "proper" alternator/starter motor refurbishers in your area, they'll probably have replacement unit on the shelf, there's a little backstreet guy in Weymouth - Chris Putt - had one ready to go, I think it was £150 plus exchange with the old one with 12months warranty. See if the belts - including ac need doing while you're at it. Only took 15 minutes for me to swap them out outside his workshop

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

-then I have some sort of a wiring fault: it's only reading about 8 (analogue meter) on the smaller wire, 0 when switched off, & the brown wire reading 12 when switched off but dropping to 11 when on... alternator's putting out about 13v, measures same at the battery
-does anyone know if it's likely to be doing any damage to run it?

[Moondance_Scotland]

If you're only getting 11.5v from the alternator - it's goosed, see if there're any "proper" alternator/starter motor refurbishers in your area, they'll probably have replacement unit on the shelf, there's a little backstreet guy in Weymouth - Chris Putt - had one ready to go, I think it was £150 plus exchange with the old one with 12months warranty. See if the belts - including ac need doing while you're at it. Only took 15 minutes for me to swap them out outside his workshop

Hello Kirsty
Got the Alt checked out this morning and it was NOT charging as you reconed, looking for replacemnt now via bongo site....is there others that you know about cheaply?
12v was showing when switched off, engine on was bit kless and should be around 14v...he said it was goosed....
Moondance Scotland

[mister munkey]

Have PM'd you Moonie . . . .

[missfixit70]

All i could recommend would be to do a search no the forum to see where others have got theirs & check all the usual suppliers advertised on the main page - bongobits etc, but try yellow pages local to you or ask in local garages if they know of a local refurbisher.

[missfixit70]

There's one in the for sale section on the main page, if it's still available - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/marketplace.htm#bits

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

I found my wiring problem -sorted, now have 13+ at the battery -but my mechanic advises that mine is right & there should only be 12+ volts in the thin wire when the motor is running, not just when ig is switched on.
Anyone else got a reading here?

[Moondance_Scotland]

Somehow or other, it does sound like the alternator is not delivering charge. But the red light thing is baffling.

I doubt it is the battery but out of interest, how do you know it is 'holding charge'. I've had duff (well 'tired') batteries that will take a charge, start engine and remain fine until stressed (e.g. by a cold snap). Not doubting you (with my limited expertise I wouldn't dare!) but best to push this one around the park just in case

I'll watch this thread with interest and good luck (again).

Just about the Alternator.
A good friend actually re modified a few parts from a Mitsubish Alt and made new witing harness, removed pulley (only had one) disabled other belt then switched on ignition and tested if i was charging, i was......basically ordered a replacemet now for 110 pounds( yes 110 pounds i repeat 110 pounds, not funny prices i have been offered lately, one thought he was called adam ant- and wanted 467 pounds- stand and deliver or wot???
Basically all up and running with batteries both charging ( temp measure ) of course.....new one will arrive one day after purchase....how good is that...ONE DAY ! not like others ive heard about over a week etc...
Fingers crossed it a replacement like all the others, they will get high priase from me when its fitted and working.
Moondance Scotland

[skyhigh123]

Well, I just fitted the reconditioned alternator which I had sent to me here in France. Voltage readings all as they should be now. So, the original alternator had failed, though perhaps only partially, as I never had the red charge light illuminate.

Thanks again for the responses to my post,
Tony