Alternator from Alternative Parts List

[catretriever]

Hi All,

my original alternator failed recently and I took a punt on ordering the 90amp Q&H FRA671 as suggested by the alternative parts list without actually checking the original. On receiving the new alternator I realised that the new part doesn't have the same 3 pin connection as the original, DOH!

So I'm wondering now if/how I can modify said lead to make the connections, and what should go where?

Can anyone give any tips or advice before I give up and return it?

thanks

Matt

[catretriever]

The new alternator looks like this btw

https://www.redlinecarparts.com/i/1030/438/product...

[TVRees]

Are you sure it's not OK ? Here's a picture of an original, from a S2.
What are you missing ?

[catretriever]

So mine looks like this...

[catretriever]

Well it looks like the new one fits mechanically at least, so I guess I need to cut of the 3 pin plug and connect the wires individually.

Can anyone provide a pic of an alternator of the style Tim posted, but wired up?

thanks.

[TVRees]

I could help you there. How about this ....

[catretriever]

Thanks Tim that's very helpful.

Looking at my old alternator I can see that the two larger spade connectors for the 3pin plug are actually connected together inside the alternator. So I guess that means on my new one I should connect those two wires to the B+ connector, and the smaller wire (for the indicator lamp) to the D+ connector.

here goes nothing

[TVRees]

The B+ connects to the battery. The D+ is an auxillary output of the alternator and I belive this supplies power to the dashboard instruments.

[catretriever]

Yep I got it all wired up. D+ is definitley for the indicator lamp, tho it took me a while to realise a blown lamp was preventing the alternator from charging.

Handy diagram here...

[RayTVR]

Useful info - did you get the alternator from Redline as well?

Useful if you could confirm part number etc.

Thanks

[catretriever]

I got the alternator from http://alternatorsnstarters.co.uk

"Brand New 90amp Alternator + 1V Pully FRA671 OE Quality" based on the suggestion from the S Alternative Parts list.

The product id from A&S was ANS10191.



Since I had to replace the battery indicator lamp (TVR what were you thinking?!?) I now have to come up with a replacement for the indicator strip/swoosh :/


(edit) I should mention that the adjuster arm fixing didn't quite line up so required a few washers/spacers (edit)

Edited by catretriever on Monday 25th January 13:24

[phillpot]

catretriever said:

it took me a while to realise a blown lamp was preventing the alternator from charging.

It is the current drawn by that bulb that gets the alternator going. The S is known for needing a few revs to get the alternator to kick in, this can be helped by putting another bulb in parallel.

I think it will possibly kick in even if the bulb has blown if seriously revved up?


I shall wait to be corrected by people who know a lot more about electricaltricitity than me

[TVRees]

phillpot said:

It is the current drawn by that bulb that gets the alternator going. The S is known for needing a few revs to get the alternator to kick in, this can be helped by putting another bulb in parallel

I just read up on this and it is correct. When the ignition switch is turned on, current flows through the warning lamp to the alternator rotor causing a small amount of magnetism, which the alternator needs to get going. Then, as the alternator starts to generate electricity, the lamp will dim and eventually go out when the alternator output > battery voltage.

[catretriever]

Between us we almost sound like we know what we're talking about

[glenrobbo]

It's all about getting excited!