Discussion
On my way to work this (beautiful) morning I noticed that my voltmeter had gone off the scale (16 +) volts. I don’t know how long it had been like that (not long, as I usually round robin the instruments every couple of minutes) but it lasted a few minutes until the fans kicked in and it dropped back to the 13 odd volts it usually is.
Can I assume that voltage regulator has gone, (hence a new alternator) or could there be something else wrong? (all other instruments the same as usual) The only other thing was that it had been unusually hot (90 +) all the way to work due to traffic.
Just been on a short trip and its fine now (engine was cold..)
If I need a new alternator I assume I can get it from the usual motor factor, but what alternator do I get? (It’s a pre-serpentine 500)
Can I assume that voltage regulator has gone, (hence a new alternator) or could there be something else wrong? (all other instruments the same as usual) The only other thing was that it had been unusually hot (90 +) all the way to work due to traffic.
Just been on a short trip and its fine now (engine was cold..)
If I need a new alternator I assume I can get it from the usual motor factor, but what alternator do I get? (It’s a pre-serpentine 500)
I guess the only way to confirm is to test the voltage with a "posh" meter. I would of thought other guages would of been playing up as well though, and suddenly you had good lights! As for its origins, is there any manufacturer on it? You could then cross reference with say "halfords". Probably Rangie.
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I guess the only way to confirm is to test the voltage with a "posh" meter. I would of thought other guages would of been playing up as well though, and suddenly you had good lights! As for its origins, is there any manufacturer on it? You could then cross reference with say "halfords". Probably Rangie.
Exactly my thought, so I borrowed a posh one from work, and it is definitely overcharging sporadically (when fan kicks in it brings the voltage back down). But only after temp has reached 90+
Theory number 1 is that the underbonnet heat is killing the voltage reg in the alternator. According to a mate there is a local reconditioner that will fit a new reg pretty cheaply, so will try that first before spending out on a full recon one.
Just checked on my 500. Its a Lucas, model LRB128
I would get it sorted ASAP or you are liable to start popping things like bulbs, ECUs etc.
I would go for the whole thing as if the heat has got to the regulator then the rest of the gubbins will not be far behind.
BTW don't forget to fit a new drive belt at the same time...I didn't and the old one snapped with an almighty bang on the motorway, good old AA came out and fitted a new one
>> Edited by simont on Tuesday 16th July 15:28
I would get it sorted ASAP or you are liable to start popping things like bulbs, ECUs etc.
I would go for the whole thing as if the heat has got to the regulator then the rest of the gubbins will not be far behind.
BTW don't forget to fit a new drive belt at the same time...I didn't and the old one snapped with an almighty bang on the motorway, good old AA came out and fitted a new one
>> Edited by simont on Tuesday 16th July 15:28
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