Alternator problem me thinks
Discussion
Started the old git up today and rolled him out the garage initially really to do some work on drivers door, however whilst ticking over on drive and raising the revs I noticed the battery light flickering on which got brighter when the revs were raised, haven't looked into it too deeply yet but just wondering if its a,sign of impending doom with the alternator.
Anyway thanks go to Ed Crouch for helping out with his efforts ref the door bushes after we ( term used loosely) my lad removed the door whilst I held it, new bushes now fitted but Ed may wish to comment further on TVR manufacturing methods.
So any ideas on alternator issue would be welcome, ie; do I need a new one? Wooly.
Anyway thanks go to Ed Crouch for helping out with his efforts ref the door bushes after we ( term used loosely) my lad removed the door whilst I held it, new bushes now fitted but Ed may wish to comment further on TVR manufacturing methods.
So any ideas on alternator issue would be welcome, ie; do I need a new one? Wooly.
Although not TVR , I had a flashing/intermittent battery light at idle, and it turned out to be the brushes being badly worn. Took it to an autoelectric place, they reckoned once that's happened, it's good policy to replace the regulator too, as it gets hammered with the switching/arcing.
This was a Volvo, and the unit was all in one anyway (brushes and regulator) , but thought I would mention it....
This was a Volvo, and the unit was all in one anyway (brushes and regulator) , but thought I would mention it....
Apart from brushes, the diodes could be on their way out. A diode pack costs about £12.
However I found a completely new alternator on the flea for about £50 which fitted straight in:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ALTERNATOR-12V-VOLT-...
It puts out more current than the standard one too, and it does help the engine run smoother and preserve the battery, having a brand new one in there. Then you can refurb your old one and keep as a spare, at your leisure.
Why not treat yourself to an alternator adjuster bar while you're at it???
However I found a completely new alternator on the flea for about £50 which fitted straight in:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ALTERNATOR-12V-VOLT-...
It puts out more current than the standard one too, and it does help the engine run smoother and preserve the battery, having a brand new one in there. Then you can refurb your old one and keep as a spare, at your leisure.
Why not treat yourself to an alternator adjuster bar while you're at it???
Thanks for the replies , I'll have a butcher's later. I was getting over 14 volts on the volt meter in the car, the battery has been rigged up to a conditioner for past six months so maybe that's created an issue I not know.
It's got to be the original alternator coz I've not changed it in 14 years. It's not an issue I had when I last used it so maybe something to do with standing like Ian mentioned the earths.
It's got to be the original alternator coz I've not changed it in 14 years. It's not an issue I had when I last used it so maybe something to do with standing like Ian mentioned the earths.
Typical signs of worn brushes 
if its a Lucas alt its a simple job of swapping over the voltage reg and brush set in one simple operation 
just check slip ring for excess wear/ridging otherwise you will need one of those too that being the case an exchange unit is probably easier for DIY IMO
if its a Lucas alt its a simple job of swapping over the voltage reg and brush set in one simple operation just check slip ring for excess wear/ridging otherwise you will need one of those too that being the case an exchange unit is probably easier for DIY IMO adam quantrill said:
Ahh well if it has been stood for a while then it might be as simple as a bit of tarnishing on the slip rings.
In which case try driving it for 50-100 miles to see if it starts behaving itself.
Ahh yes, the good old slip rings, can I find these on said alternator or are they special purchase from marital aids counter Adam, point me please or is it a,question of just giving her a good seeing to?In which case try driving it for 50-100 miles to see if it starts behaving itself.
adam quantrill said:
Drive it! Nothing to lose apart from 15 quids worth of petrol. I had a similar situation when I put in an alternator that had been hanging around in my barn for a few years.
Good point Edited by adam quantrill on Tuesday 16th December 08:04
all though the copper would have to be pretty oxidized Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff