Strange Alternator Phenomenon ?

[Veg_Ian]

Here's an odd one!

Earlier this evening the better half set off in the Bongo with dog for evening walk in local woods, about a 3 mile trip. Halfway down the drive and she shouted me as the charge and sediment lights were glowing (mixed emotions here - pleased that she even noticed but dreading tipping up £100+ for a new alternator). Sure enough both lights had a dim glow. So I told her to finish her journey as the battery should hold for a short run while I went and gowned up ready for surgery (yeah I'm kinky like that).

When she returned she claimed the lights went out after a couple of hundred yards. So I checked the alternator. Both belts intact and tight, connections ok. Battery fully charged and alternator pushing out 14.5v.

Speculation anyone? I'll be checking the voltage every day now for a while but how do you explain that one?

[dp bradford]

...Speculation anyone?....

Sounds like a belt slipping, but if you've discounted that - maybe an intermittent bad earth??

Dave

[Peg leg Pete]

Cold damp weather may have caused the belts to slip

[mister munkey]

My 1st alternator showed similar signs for around a fortnight before it finally died.

It seemed the brushes were at the point of being borderline knackered.

As time went on the glow became gradually more constant & progressively brighter.

Keep an eye on that.

[Veg_Ian]

Cold damp weather may have caused the belts to slip

Normally I would have said that was a possibility but it's not been bad here the last couple of days.

My 1st alternator showed similar signs for around a fortnight before it finally died.
It seemed the brushes were at the point of being borderline knackered.
As time went on the glow became gradually more constant & progressively brighter.
Keep an eye on that.
My 1st alternator showed similar signs for around a fortnight before it finally died.
It seemed the brushes were at the point of being borderline knackered.
As time went on the glow became gradually more constant & progressively brighter.
Keep an eye on that.

Alas, my thinking as well. I guess I should start looking for a replacement now, just in case

[Veg_Ian]

Or even a bad earth. I'll see if it does it again.

[bigdaddycain]

Is your bongo converted Ian? Leisure battery?

[Veg_Ian]

yes it has an LB but I don't see your point ?

[bigdaddycain]

yes it has an LB but I don't see your point ?

I'm not well clued up on this subject Ian, so excuse me if i'm wide of the mark... I seem to recall some VSR's giving a slight glow of said warning light? I can't recall off hand if that was a intermittent, or continuous phenomenon though?

[dandywarhol]

A split charge relay feeding from the alternator can sometimes have that effect Ian.

[Veg_Ian]

No been there done that. It's just the charge light that glows if you connect the VSR feed to the low voltage side of the alternator. Anyway, thought you were off on your jollies Alan?

[dandywarhol]

On Islay and logged on at the local 'net cafe before partaking of the local Bruichladdich at the 2.30 tour

[Veg_Ian]

Might have known! Enjoy. Hope the wind doesn't get too strong for you.