Broken alternator?

[JonathanT]

In my '99 450 with serpentine enginer, the battery light is continually on irrespective of how fast the engine is going. I've checked (and replaced) the 100A fuse which was all ok. The big terminal on the back of the alternator shows 12.5V and across the battery also shows 12.5V. When the engine is running the battery shows 12.0V (or thereabouts).

Does this mean my alternator is probably broken?

[N7GTX]

Yes, the voltage you are seeing at 12.5 is the battery voltage and is dropping as the battery drains.

[QBee]

I got my replacement for about £100 delivered from these people:

http://www.hobsonindustries.co.uk/

Genuine new Landrover part, they remove them from new LRs when upgrading them for military use.

[Oldred_V8S]

Don't get a replacement, you will pay way over the cost of a repair kit and may end up with one of inferior quality.

The original Magnetti Marelli /Lucas alternator is Childs play to repair.

Chances are if your bearings and slip rings are OK, you will only require what is shown below.

http://www.sandcelectrical.com/rectifier-regulator...

[Danblez]

Oldred_V8S said:

Don't get a replacement, you will pay way over the cost of a repair kit and may end up with one of inferior quality.

The original Magnetti Marelli /Lucas alternator is Childs play to repair.

Chances are if your bearings and slip rings are OK, you will only require what is shown below.

http://www.sandcelectrical.com/rectifier-regulator...

This ^^^ cost me £40 to have mine refurbed!

[JonathanT]

Thanks everyone, I'm taking the brain dead option and getting my garage to replace for me. I'll see if I can get the original magnetti refurbed by someone more competent than me so I'll have a spare for next time.

[QBee]

Beware - new stock of original Landrover alternators costs several hundred pounds. Get a price first.
I ordered from the people i mentioned, and fitted it myself.
Took me nearly 10 minutes, and I am to spanners what women are to map-reading and parking.

[JonathanT]

I'm taking a punt on the one from tvr-parts because it's not stupid money. I had a go at removing the old one this morning and gave up at "getting the bolt sleeves out" because access was so poor.

[JonathanT]

Does anyone have any recommendations for getting my old alternator rebuilt in the Cambridge-ish area?

[QBee]

JonathanT said:

Does anyone have any recommendations for getting my old alternator rebuilt in the Cambridge-ish area?

I'll ask Mat Smith (of Mat Smith Sportscars, Downham Market) when I collect my car this afternoon. He'll know where to go.