Bongo Fury

Surely this can't be a coincidence, waxoyled bongo's bottom today, then when I drove up to my mates for dinner ( too pooped to cook), charge & sediment lights stayed on Just done a search on the forum & checked the fact sheet - everything points toward alternator
Measured across battery quickly with engine running about 11.9 v (didn't wanna rev it as it midnight), about 12.5v with engine off. I checked the alternator to see if I'd inadvertantly waxoyled it, could only see a few very fine droplets on the casing. Don't think the belt is slipping, but will check in the daylight.
Could I have destroyed my alternator If it has got waxoyl in it, is it a rebuild job or can I get away with spraying in some electical cleaner or degreaser?

Can't see why waxoil should hurt the alternator - if you sprayed the waxoil on, maybe some of the fine spray got into the alternator and is acting as insulation between the brushes - it may well clear itself.
When I did mine, I was very careful to avoid the brakes, but some of the "mist" got onto the disks - was very interesting the first time I applied the brakes

I cant see how it would kill the alternator, even if waxoil did get in there Have you tried taking the bongo for a good run kirsty to see if it cleans it out?

I suppose if you managed to cover the live alternator terminal with waxoyl then you could have shorted it out and damaged it. Should read around 14 volts across the battery with engine running.

There ya go then kirsty...it could possibly be a coincidence after all!

Pop round to your nearest auto electrician,he'll run a quick test (usually free,flutter your eye lashes ) He'll let you know if the alternator is Ka-put... Mention the waxoil situation too...

Checked all the terminals, waxoyl free, only 11.8v output from alternator Went down to Weymouths alternator/starter motor refurb meister, Chris Putt who confirmed it was goosed, but a sheer coincidence that it had gone after waxoyling. Luckily he's got a refurb in stock for £147, will pop down tomorrow & swap them over, didn't do it today cos it was nearly closing time.
Relieved it wasn't my fault & that one is available ( at a reasonable cost?), just wish it could've held on for a few more weeks, thank god for the bank of mum & dad

recon alternator fitted, all back to normal Took all of 15 minutes to change them over, how easy are these bongos to work on?
Anyone in the Weymouth area that needs recon alternators or starters, this guy is the man, should always have an alternator in stock as he does them on exchange basis
Chris Putt Starters & Alternators ltd,
2 Stanley Street,
Weymouth.
DT4 7JB
01305 774084.
Doesn't take cards, not sure if he does cheques, but he refurbs them himself "where economically viable", with a years guarantee. Cost £146.88 for proper exchange alternator - exactly the same as the one that came out ( have heard of differences with other suppliers), jolly nice chap, seemed quite impressed with the bongo, had never had a proper look at one before.
Interestingly said he'd never done a bongo alternator before this year, has now done 3 or 4. Is this due to the increasing popularity or is it the natural lifespan of the average alternator?

Dear Kirsty

Never have given it a thought.
However, Coming to think of it, I had the same problem after I had mine waxoyled.

Now there is something for others to look out for.

New alternator, now all ok.

Regards

Tomsk

Hmm, a pattern developing here perhaps?

I had my bongo waxoiled about a month ago, no probs with the alternator. (touchwood )