Earth Straps

[g8dhe]

The thin wire creates the initial magnetic field, its powered from the same fuse as the headlights, without it you will have problems!

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

Thanks all, the problem did turn out to be that the black-banded alternators aren't sufficient. I bought a used one from a breaker, & now I have 14.5 volts at the battery.

I love this car, but it's no longer practical for me so it's up for sale.... soon....

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

Thanks all, the problem did turn out to be that the black-banded alternators aren't sufficient. I bought a used one from a breaker, & now I have 14.5 volts at the battery....

-Is 14.5v a sign that there is a regulator problem? -is that integral to a car alternator? -will that high a voltage harm any components or fry the battery? -if so, can I get a regulator I can fit inline?

[g8dhe]

14.5volts from the alternator is a bit on the high side, at high rev's 14.4volts could be expected, but once above 14.4v then gassing starts to occour and you will have Hydrogen and Oxygen being produced and electrolyte levels will start to fall as the water turns to the gases.
See http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arti ... id_battery

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

Thanks Geoff -14.5 is what I saw at high revs, I'll have another look soon to confirm. I suppose there may be a problem with my 2nd hand alternator then. I wonder if I could get away with fitting some sort of resistor inline?

[g8dhe]

Nah if that was at high rev's then 14.5v will be acceptable, all voltages when working with lead acid batteries are ±0.1v anyway, I was just concerned that it might have been at low to medium rev's!
The regulator is part of the alternator, so it would mean changing the entire unit again.

[Distilled Waters Run Deep]

Great, thanks!
I went for a little run, and without both back seats in the car... wow it shifts!
I still have a little niggle. The car has an Elsbett single tank veg oil conversion, and with the fully functioning alternator the electronic fuel pump doesn't work. If I remove the alternator connections, it will run, as it did with the under-powered alternator and the broken one. I don't have a wiring diagram to hand, so I don't expect any answers here... but I'll probably post here if I work it out, just for the record.