Fuel Sediment & Charging light on together at lower revs

[busguy]

My wife has just rung in very concerned, as the charging light and sediment filter lights both come on and stay on/go off together up to varying revs, but sometimes 2000 rpm. Its a normal 1995 Bongo 2.5 TDI Auto freetop.
Fuel filter is due a change, but not had this problem before. Alternator does not sound noisy. Belts are on and adjusted ok.
Where do I start? Is it water in fuel filter or is it an alternator issue? Is it water in wiring?
Any help or similar experiences would be appreciated.

[mister munkey]

Its the alternator.

It might limp on for a while if you can keep a battery charger on the go when its parked up but you really need a replacement pretty sharpish.

[You've Been Bongod]

second that mm defanatly alternator


sorry the kit i was thinking about was starter motor kit

[busguy]

Thanks for the prompt response guys. I will take your advice and get a repair kit ordered today.
I have just been and changed the fuel filter to eliminate that as it needed doing anyway.
You're a great bunch to have around. Much appreciated.

[busguy]

Had a quick look on ebay for an alternator repair kit. B2500 and Ranger kits are there but nothing labelled Bongo.
Can anyone recommend a good supplier for a repair kit, or alternatively a good secondhand alternator to put on while I do the faulty one up for a spare?
Cheers
John

[mister munkey]

sorry the kit i was thinking about was starter motor kit

I don't think there is such a thing for the alt.

Beware the very cheap new ones on ebay. I bought one a couple of years ago that only lasted a month before the back bearings gave up. My old one only needed new brushes but it seems impossible to get them out without destroying the casing. Bought the cheapest available replacement. Shabbily made & with nasty plain bearings, not the roller type ones it needs, fitted onto a smaller than standard shaft so couldn't even make one good one out of the two. A fantastic waste of ninety quid.

[M 80NGO]

There is a fix that we used to do as a temp repair when i was roadsiding for the AA, If it doesn't work then you've lost nothing but if it does work you've saved sum ££££££££££££, with the vehicle running give the alternator a few sharp taps with a hammer this sometimes releases the carbon buildup that is stopping the voltage regulator from working properly, now i said earlier that this was a temp repair but i do know of people who have still been using the same alternator 3 years later, gotta be worth a try me thinx.

[busguy]

Tried the bump with a hammer but it did not change anything.
Anyway, we now have a remanufactured alternator fitted from Auto Jap Spares at a total cost of about £150 exchanged, and the problem is cured. I ordered in the afternoon and their service was good with next day delivery, even though it turned up via DHL at 8.30pm! I just couldn't justify paying the around £250 price for the Lucas product even though it was recommended.
Thanks to everyone for their views and suggestions.

[mister munkey]

I just love a happy ending.



Lucas? Used to be a swear word - have they recently improved??????

[chiefster1976]

Looking back on previous posts it seems no one has been able to find repair kits for these Hitachi Bongo alternators..
Sediment/battery lights come on my bongo too... Got a mate auto sparky to strip it..he recons change regulator for safety,but carnt find one..