Sagaris volt dropping and oil pressure

[pauldavies85]

Last weekend on the run back to home I noticed the voltage reading was lower than normal and gradually dropping until a warning msg came up at around 11.8V. Took out for quick run today and it dropped from that to about 10.5 V over 15 mins or so - quickly returned home safely!

Any ideas what may be loose or going? alternator, battery. I think the battery is pretty heavy duty and new last year, however it hasn't been kept on a conditioner (the car is run almost every weekend).

Also my oil pressure readings are much higher than others report sitting about 18psi at warm idle and much much higher cold/under load. Im aware this could be sensor error, but what else if this isn't the case?

incidently car is a bit stuburn to idle from cold start and occasionally drops to almost stall if i suddenly let the rev's drop (even when hot)

sorry for all the questions!
Paul

[NCE 61]

Sounds like the 100 amp fuse between the alternator & battery has gone, causing the battery not to charge, it is located to the rear of the engine under the airbox.

The oil pressure at idle sounds ok to me similar to my Tuscan S, can depend on idle speed mine is around 950 RPM when warm.

The cold idle problem is possibly the throttle's need balancing/ setting up.

[coach]

Wot he said above. Get the fuse changed ASAP or become a TVR exhibit on the M6 like I did!
J

[tail slide]

coach said:

Wot he said above. Get the fuse changed ASAP or become a TVR exhibit on the M6 like I did!
J

Sorry to hear that Jez, but your exhibit was undoubtedly the highlight for other drivers on the dreary M6

[pauldavies85]

Sounds like it to me, forgot about that all together! Ill order the 125mA one tonight!

[JxT]

Hmmm, Im pretty surprised the car kept going if it was at 10.5V.... my experience is that once it gets much lower than 12.5V, it stalls / dies.

There's a chance that the reading itself is wrong, rather than an issue with the battery.

I'd agree the most logical thing to do next might be to change the 100 amp fuse... but it could potentially be either the alternator only giving off enough charge to run the car not charge the battery (new alternator), or alternator fuse itself.

Could you stick it on charge overnight to see if the battery returns up to 14V plus?

(on the second point the tickover level is set too low).

[coach]

tail slide said:

coach said:

Wot he said above. Get the fuse changed ASAP or become a TVR exhibit on the M6 like I did!
J

Sorry to hear that Jez, but your exhibit was undoubtedly the highlight for other drivers on the dreary M6

Thanks G. Unfortunately it was also the day I was competing against other hopefuls (heats) at the Prodrive track for a seat in the Britcar Championchip next year with Seat (Cars). My driving partner Sarah got there on time and got through! Watch out for her on 5th gear in November

So the lesson is, not only carry the 100am fuse but make sure you have the right tool to undo the airbox or run the risk of not only looking a tool on the M6 but blowing your chance at caning someone else's car for a seasons racing! Still they did allow me down there for a play - got to chase one of their instructors round a track and meet Miss VBH. Actually wish it had been the other way around..... Found out one thing...she loves Tamoras!

[pauldavies85]

Well it had only just dipped to that vlotage. Now won't spin the engine once, I have order the fuse and I'll stick it on charge to see if the voltage creeps up again.