Is it my battery at fault???

[glenn77]

I have been having problems starting the van for ages now and need a bit of advice.
Please bear in mind i am not too bright with van electrics.
I just took some readings on my voltmeter which may help, these are:-

Battery voltage , no load , ignition 'off' 12.35v
Battery voltage, no load , ignition 'on' 11.85v (and falling slowly)
Battery voltage cranking 10.50v
Battery voltage , Engine running at 200rpm 12.79v

It is hardest to start in the mornings and i have to use a power pack to get it running - the battery on its own discharges to nothing until it wont turn over.
After a run of a few miles it starts ok but only if the engine is warm. If it is left for hours during the day it becomes hard to start again.
From these readings can you tell me if it is the alternator or the battery that is at fault??
Thanks in anticipation.

[Mocki]

alternator voltage seems low, but if the battery is faulty it may read low if you are measuring at the battery.

take the leads off the battery, charge it with a mains charger for 24 hours,disconnect charger, check voltage then leave it disconnected for 24 hours and check voltage again, if its more than a volt less the second time, the battery is on its way out. or drive down to halwitts or a reall tyre and zorst battery place and get it checked with a loadmeter.

[glenn77]

Thanks for quick reply Mocki - i will let you know what happens.

[Adrian244]

Sounds like the alternator to me - should have more volts (approx 13-14Volts) when the engines running.
The batteries not getting a good charge by the look of it.

Put the headlights on and see if they go brighter when you rev the engine, if they don't then the alternators prob at fault.

[Red Westie]

@ 2000rpm you should be seeing full alternator regulated voltage which is 13.9-14.2 volts, I suspect your bush pack bushes are nearly worn out (below 5mm) or the regulator which is part of the bush pack, is shot.
You can pick these up for around a tenner.
Martin

[glenn77]

can you tell me where the 'bush pack bushes' are - googling just gave me images of the former US president!!
thanks

[Grun]

can you tell me where the 'bush pack bushes' are - googling just gave me images of the former US president!!
thanks

glenn77,
Try,
HERE
Bush was an error, the president as well.

If the photos don't show in the link Try Googling 'Bosch Alternator brush pack photo' (world wide not just UK) and they should appear.

Mike

[Red Westie]

Mine cost under a tenner and that included postage. 2 posidrive screws and swap over, 10 minutes max.
Here is where I got mine from (see below)....you need to quote the Bosch number off the pink label in order to get the correct item.

VEHICLE ELECTRICS (B'HAM) LTD 166 STOCKFIELD ROAD ACOCKS GREEN BIRMINGHAM B27 6AU 0121 706 0688

Martin

[glenn77]

Thanks for all the help guys - just ordered a brush pack replacement from the place in Birmingham as advised - will let you know if it works when i have it fitted.


Once again - many thanks - you guys are the best