Alternator shot.

[Curlewbongo]

AA have confirmed that bongo's alternator is completely shot. If I charge up the battery with a battery charger, do people think I could go about 20 miles this evening with my headlights on- or does my daughter need to come home in a taxi?

[helen&tony]

Hi
Personally, I think it's not worth it...I had an alternator pack up on my way home once...only just made it...
Cheers
Helen

[M 80NGO]

As the alternator is already "shot" have you tried thrashing it with a nylon hammer to see if you can break the carbon build up in the regulator switch ?

[lazyb5]

Would have thought a diesel bongo was good for 20 miles on the battery

[Simon Jones]

On the trip to Poland a few years back, one of the group had an alternator failure and was able to drive probably about 100 miles without it charging properly. This was done at about 60 mph (to keep it as brief as possible) and without headlights. As it was one of the earlier models with mechanic throttle control, there was slightly less to go wrong as the voltage went down, but it was still a bit of a gamble if they would make it to their destination. While much the engine is mechanical, the ECU and fans are electric and the gearbox relies on it's electronics to work.

You'd probably be ok for 20 miles, but if you got stuck in traffic or pulled out at junction and it failed, then it's probably not worth the risk when there is an alternative option.

[rita]

Hi,

Its not really the mileage but more the time factor that counts with the head lights on.
You might be better with the taxi..