Pre Cat Alternator dying??

[Wildfire]

Since the demise of my alternator at my first Growl, the alternator hasn't quite been the same. With my headlights on (35W HIDs) and the blower, my output drops to 11V.

Now this could be 2 things:

1. I disturbed wires whilst taking the dash off.

2. The alternator is dying or the wrong one.

What was fitted as standard to the Pre Cats?

Where can I get another one?

Will it be expensive?

Could it be anything else?

Cheers

Chris

[Wildfire]

With everything off it runs at just above 12V, then lights on 12V, blowers on it drops to 11V and a bit further with the mains on (also HIDs).

I have a feeling the RAC only replaced it with a 45 or 65 amp alternator. I have been quoted £140 for a brand new (not recon) 100 amp alternator.

I'm due to drive to Devon in 2 weeks and would like to know the electrics will be ok.

[Wildfire]

Hmmmmm.... could just be the gauge as I was fiddling behind the dash a while ago.

What's the best way to check the output to the battery?

Where else could I be losing power?

I'm a bit of an electrical numpty.

[Wildfire]

Barkychoc said:

Also have you considered that it could be a poor earth giving you issues?

Hmmmm... no, not considered that one. Were's the best places to look. Will I have to spend all of tomorrow under the car removing and cleaning up all the earth straps?


The charging light never actually went out after the RAC guy changed it. But then I may have blown something behind the dash when the last one went.

I'm not going for a week or so and it's only a 10 min job to change the alternator.

Maybe I'll have a look at as many earth straps as I can tomorrow, after my geo setup, then order a new one if nothign gets better. Mind you the charging light thing is still annoying.

Can someone give me a numpty guide to checking all the outputs/resistances/amperages with a multimeter?

Cheers

Chris

[Wildfire]

As Hoov said, I think it's probably the wrong alternator, but I'll try that tomorrow.
Cheers

Chris