View unanswered posts | View active topics It is currently March 28th, 2024, 3:52 pm



Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 
 Alternator or Voltage Regulator? 
Author Message
Firing on two.
User avatar

Joined: March 24th, 2009, 9:18 pm
Posts: 248
Location: 15340 Mourjou France
Post Alternator or Voltage Regulator?
I'd been away for a fortnight's holiday (leaving the Red Special behind) and when I got back it was reluctant to start - and it's usually absolutely immediate.

Then last night coming back from dinner with friends I thought the headlights looked dim. This morning it wouldn't start: no click from the solenoid at all. I jump started with another battery, but after that the voltage reading at the battery was a steady 10v (!). We were very lucky to get home last night it seems.....

I am currently - hah! - charging the battery. That should tell me if it's a battery problem.

How can I tell whether it's the alternator not delivering anything, or a failed voltage regulator?

If it is the voltage regulator, I'll be a bit miffed, as it is the expensive solid-state version, only about two years old, and never maltreated. After all, it's been working fine up to now.

Where do I test, and how? Suggestions welcome.

_________________
Dennis usually in the Cantal

1964 HY 72 (Type H, campervan) - LHD
1969 AZU 250 (formerly French Post Office van) - LHD
1982 Red Special - RHD
1983 Burgundy/Black Charleston - RHD
2017 Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 DSG - LHD


August 22nd, 2021, 12:03 pm
Profile
Firing on two.
User avatar

Joined: March 5th, 2009, 6:23 pm
Posts: 2130
Location: Near Monmouth
Post Re: Alternator or Voltage Regulator?
My 2volts…

Requires a multimeter to see voltage.
Temp hook up a 12 volt lamp to alternator Exc spade connector and the battery 12 volt.
Start the car measure the volts on the battery, if over 12 volts Alternator is functioning.

Or

Borrow a regulator to swap with yours.

Solidstate regulators are reliable for many years .

Cheers
Peter


August 22nd, 2021, 5:04 pm
Profile
Firing on two.
User avatar

Joined: March 24th, 2009, 9:18 pm
Posts: 248
Location: 15340 Mourjou France
Post Re: Alternator or Voltage Regulator?
Peter: thanks.

Starting to check I think has shown me what the problem is. The "exc" lead on the alternator was very loose and showing signs of sparking/burning. Actually at first it was rigid, but as soon as i moved it, it became wobbly. It had maybe corroded into a set position that didn't conduct well.

I have cleaned it up and tried (not very successfully) to tighten up the connector - it's inside a fairly rigid plastic cover and not easy to bend into a more grippy shape.

With the car running I now have 14.5V at the battery, as against 13.4V when the engine is turned off.

Should I maybe think of clipping the end of the lead off and putting on a new female connector? There's not a lot of slack in the cable, though.

_________________
Dennis usually in the Cantal

1964 HY 72 (Type H, campervan) - LHD
1969 AZU 250 (formerly French Post Office van) - LHD
1982 Red Special - RHD
1983 Burgundy/Black Charleston - RHD
2017 Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 DSG - LHD


August 22nd, 2021, 6:35 pm
Profile
Firing on two.

Joined: June 22nd, 2014, 8:09 pm
Posts: 1179
Location: Reading, Berks UK
Post Re: Alternator or Voltage Regulator?
I vote for new connector. But how annoying to have to extend the wire somewhat for such a short distance.


August 22nd, 2021, 9:16 pm
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Reply to topic   [ 4 posts ] 

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 70 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group.
Designed by STSoftware for PTF.