Electrical fault

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

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ninja.turtle007
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Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

I seem to have a gremlin somewhere!

It seem like everything is ruining directly from the alternator. Lights get brighter when revving the engine, heater blower speeds up etc. Radio turns on and of when lights are turned on. Water temp light flashes every now and then.

I have check the obvious like loose battery terminals and battery voltage with and without engine running and both are good. Any ideas please?
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by kevtherev »

Not gremlins.. alternator

I think the regulator / brush pack is worn out

everything is connected to the alternator... the battery is for starting
check you alt connections too
Last edited by kevtherev on 23 Nov 2011, 17:57, edited 1 time in total.
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ninja.turtle007
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

Thanks, that had crossed my mind. Where can I get a rectifier from? It's a jx engine.
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by kevtherev »

Regulator brush pack is available but I don't know which one for a diesel.. but Just kampers sell them http://www.justkampers.com/shop/voltage ... 12786.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

Check which make of alternator you have first - mine has a Valeo/Motorola one.
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

I swapped alternator but I'm still getting the same symptoms. :cry:
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

That points it more to poor connections like the earths and positive cables. What is the voltage like at the fuse box compared with a reading direct from the battery?
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ninja.turtle007
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

Getting just over 16v at the battery with engine running. I pressure alt is duff? Will this damage the battery?

I get a very similar reading at the fuse box. When I strart switching on lights etc voltage drops. The more I turn on the more it drops. Eventually going down to 12v at fuse box but going to just under 16v at battery. This isn't normal is it?

I take it the cable from battery to fuse board is breaking down or a dirty connection?
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

Yes, you will boil your battery with that high a voltage.
I would say new regulator first so that you are starting with the proper voltage, then check what is happening as you take on more load. You will experience voltage drop as you put on blowers, lights etc. Mine drops from 14ish down to just below 13v as the load increases. You are noticing it more because of the 16v that it is currently running at is dropping down 3v+. You will have super bright lights at the moment but the bulbs won't last long!

The swap alternator must have the same regulator issue.
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

Bosch alternator part 1197311022 is what I need. Any suggestions as to where I can get one. The JK one says it is for Petrol. Would the regulator not be the same?
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

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ninja.turtle007
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

Thanks, I managed to get one locally and fitted. The high V reading I was getting earlier may have been down the the weak battery in my Volt meter. :oops:

I'm now getting 14.2V at the alternator and fuse box. As soon as I turn something on the voltage at the fuse box drops to 11.9V.
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by silverbullet »

Earth fault and a big one too. The current is finding any route to earth. Check the gearbox nose has it's earth strap connected (it's all been out recently hasn't it?)
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ninja.turtle007
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by ninja.turtle007 »

Thought I'd have a quick look this morning after reading Ian's reply. He was 100% right. Strap was connected but not making good enough contact. Probably due to the fresh underseal and waxoyl.

Thanks Ian and to Oldie and Kev for their advice. :ok
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Re: Electrical fault

Post by Rich Tea »

I had the radio turning on and off issue and fixed with it by cleaning the earth crowns by the fuse box, fixed a whole load of other intermittent problems I was having as well.

I didn't have the alternators issues though, but a good clean up of every earth you can find can only be good.

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