Volt Meter issue - any ideas?

[MPoxon]

Afternoon gents.

I noticed drving back from the Essex TVRCC meeting today that volt gauge is reading off the scale past 17v, from memory is normally reads 12-15v. When the car is switched off the gauge returns to 9v (at the other end of the scale)

Does anyone have any ideas?

Matthew

[crackedfinger]

MPoxon said:

Afternoon gents.

I noticed drving back from the Essex TVRCC meeting today that volt gauge is reading off the scale past 17v, from memory is normally reads 12-15v. When the car is switched off the gauge returns to 9v (at the other end of the scale)

Does anyone have any ideas?

Matthew

Is it 9v with ignition on or ignition off?

[MPoxon]

Cheers for advice gents

Quinny - The Gauge moves off the scale past 17v when the ignition is on but before the engine is switched on - could this mean it is still the regulator inside the alternator?

crackedfinger- The Gauge rests back at 9v when the car is completely off. It reads off the scale past 17v when the igintiion is on and when the engine is running.

The day before I had the battery on charge using an optimate charger, interestingly enough the battery was on charge for over 20 hours and did not show a green light. I am not sure if that as anything to do with it.

[spend]

Have a quick test drive with your multimeter connected to the fag lighter. Easy way to check the voltmeter calibration and put your mind at rest either way...

[MPoxon]

Quinny / Spend - Fantastic I shall try using a multimeter as you have suggested. If the output is fine I shall leave it until it is due it's next service and get a specialist to recalabrate the dial.

Many thanks for your suggestions gents- much appreciated as always.

[Biggles101]

I know bit of a "thread resurrection"! But my meter is gradually creeping up! (now showing 15v). On starting the car is sometimes refusing to crank - the pump primes but solenoid just clicks, just had new alarm fitted by Carl Baker - car was giving the cranking problem a couple of days before changing the alarm. (was hoping it was immobiliser on the way out but not the case) Took the battery out and charged it but it didn't need it. strange though as it measured 15v across the terminals??? Could it be the alternator regulator on the way out? or is this just a red herring. Perhaps the starting issue is more related to a dirty starter solenoid (oil being splashed into pinion gear then wicking up shaft - Jason at Str8six did point out a slight oil weep from rear crank seal)
Any ideas? perhaps I have 2 separate issues

[GJR]

I can't comment on the volt meter creeping up, but the periodic refusal to start and a clicking solenoid are the same symptoms I had with a failing starter motor.

[Rob_the_Sparky]

Get a meter and check the voltage. As regulators break down they can slowly raise the charge voltage, if it gets too high it can start to damage things. On an old Peugeot with no meter the first I knew about it was all the dash lights blowing over a period of a couple of weeks...

Worth checking

[Biggles101]

cool thanks guys I'll take a look at starter on weekend. If the regulator is packing up can they be replaced or is it a new alternator?

[MPoxon]

Hi Matt, congratulations on your new purchase.... you should get some pics up and show her off a bit.

With regards to the Volt meter, I connected a digital volt meter to the car to test the regulator and this was showing the correct voltage. The car has since been to a TVR specialist and been diagnosed with a faulty gauge which is quite rare apparently.

Your issue sounds a little different to mine however.

Matthew

[Biggles101]

yes I'm still a little green when it comes to Alternators and associated wiring. comfy with digi volt meter etc. so confident I'll not break anything but no idea what connectors go where with the alternator internals.

I have many pics of the car just not yet worked out how to add multiple pics to profile

[MPoxon]

Biggles101 said:

yes I'm still a little green when it comes to Alternators and associated wiring. comfy with digi volt meter etc. so confident I'll not break anything but no idea what connectors go where with the alternator internals.

I have many pics of the car just not yet worked out how to add multiple pics to profile

I am not sure about posting multiple pics to your profile but it would be worth starting a new thread in the Griff forum and post up some pics of your new P&J with a bit of history. We are a friendly bunch!

It does look like a really nice example you have acquired.

Here is a thread I started when I got mine at the end of 2009 as an example.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Matthew

[Biggles101]

thread started