Alternator failing?

[Phil_Edge]

Got some of the classic symptoms of either Alternator or Big Fuse issues:

- Rev counter working intermittently
- Battery light flickering

Not checked the fuse yet but will (assuming I can find it!) but I wanted to ask about the alternator... would this fail in a catastrophic way? i.e. not intermittent? Or is it possible / likely that I am seeing symtoms of an impending failure?

Just started seeing the strange symptoms, but after 2 or 3 jump starts, managed to limp home, and she's actually been better. So I'm wondering if this means it's more likely to be the fuse, as opposed to the alternator?

Anyone got any experience in this area - specifically about the alternator.

Cheers,

[copilot]

I bought a new alternator and it turned out to be the big fuse! - same symptoms, so check the big fuse properly (take it out and refit) as mine looked fine but had a hairline crack.

[Phil_Edge]

All over the big fuse (see other thread), but was interested in "how" an alternator fails...

[itiejim]

I've only ever seen an alternator fail completely rather than work intermittently. If it was showing signs of working intermittenetly I'd be looking for a dodgy connection (which you have now found!)

[C3BER]

Mine failed, no lose connectiones just a buggered alternator. Very frustrationg as it was on the eve of the first fighting torque and we had to cancel the B&B.