Protect Your Electrics

[TVRSH]

The alternator warning light on my dash has been coming on intermittently all season, so when the radiator fans failed at Castle Combe recently (the temperature gauge went off the scale at 120C) during that long hot wait on the grid after Dean's car crash during Race 1, I decided to pop the Griff into my trusty vehicle electrician.
One fan had a seized motor, but more seriously the alternator was knackered. The problem with Griffs is that the alternator sits directly above the right exhaust manifold. I suspect this is not a major problem when racing, but most certainly can be if standing on the grid for a long time, engine running. Some components in my alternator had melted, and the electrician recommended fitting a heat shield - now done using aluminium plate. This doesn't affect the horizontal air-flow around the alternator when moving, but does reduce the vertical heat transfer to it when static running. Maybe it is less of a potential problem with Tuscans, Tasmins etc but it's worth checking if your alternator is located directly above an exhaust manifold.
Richard

[ceejay]

Cooked 2 alternators on the T350 this year due to the turbos and very limited space. Joo is currently relocating it away from heat sources.

[heightswitch]

http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_registry/smoke.ht...

this is a must have for anyone carrying out electrical upgrades or re-wiring.
N.

[TVRSH]

As an occasional cigar smoker, I think I'll start smoking during racing - that way I can 'breathe' on my electrics to keep them in tip-top condition!

[Graham]

Steve Hall usually stopped about halfway through the race for a ciggy...

[450Nick]

Graham said:

Steve Hall usually stopped about halfway through the race

Thats a bit optimistic isnt it?? I dont think i ever saw him do more than about 2 laps! Where is he this year anyway? Has he given up on it?