red battery/alt' light problem

[jrt]

Afternoon, I hope you can help me with a problem with my battery warning light.
On a trip today the red light came on and flickered every now and then on the last 2 miles back home. At the time I thought it was the wires from the starter being a bit knackered as I'd put new connectors on a couple of years ago and didn't like the look of the wiring. Replaced the wires today as they had corroded and fell off the connectors when I pulled them[ the blue wire is ok].
Started up and took it for a spin, light on with ignition and still on after a couple of hundred yards, after about a mile the light started flashing and then went out- all good I thought. Got back and restarted- no light on ignition and now every now and then a few flashes with the engine running.
I've took the regulator[14v] out and the brushes are about 7-8mm long.
Any thoughts welcome- bear in mind I know bugger all about electrickery
Cheers David

[CovKid]

I'm sure the brushes stick out more than 7-8mm. Try putting a multimeter across battery and see if you're getting around 14v with engine running.

[jrt]

I had a look, new bushes are 13mm and should be replaced when 5mm.
I've got a new battery[2months] but it's only reading 12.4 with the engine running. Am I looking at a replacement alternator or reg' pack?
thanks for your help David

[CovKid]

Regulator way cheaper than a new alternator. I'd try that first. Also check belt isn't slipping.

[jrt]

Cheers. Belt's ok already checked that and double checked all connections etc. It just puzzled me that I went from constant red light to flickering light and then to no light. Anyway at least I got the wiring replaced the alternator ends were well corroded. I'll order a reg' pack tonight.
David

[Sir Brixalot]

Going to watch this with interest. Got the same thing, alternator charging battery fine earths changed and my battery light's on permanently. Would have failed mot so disconnected blue wire to get it through.

[jrt]

Just ordered a reg' pack from Brickwerks so should be able to update mid week . If that doesn't work i'll get an auto electrician to check out the alternator to see if it's kaput. Going away on Sat' so need it sorting.
Just out of interest how do you tell if you've got a 45 or 65 amp alternator, can't see any info on mine unless its on a bit I can't see in situ ?
1983 wbx dg 1.9
David

[Sir Brixalot]

Mine's 90amp

[Mocki]

If it's a plug on connector , it's a 65a and there is normally a green sticker
If it's a bolt on connection , one large and a small one separately for the blue wire it may be either , again, green sticker for 65a or pink ( red) for 90amp .


The reason I mention the stickers, even as you say you can see no info, my sticker is there but no visible writing on it , but can see colour

[jrt]

Just had a look under it and I can see a small red sticker and a bigger green one, I've got spade connections 2 big and 1 small[blue wire].
Cheers David

[Mocki]

It's. 65 then

[jrt]

It's. 65 then

David

[jrt]

A quick update.
I fitted the new regulator after work today and now everything working as it should and getting 13.9 with the engine running.
Thanks for your advice.
Next up exhaust replacement
David

[California Dreamin]

I had a look, new bushes are 13mm and should be replaced when 5mm

That really doesn't sound right!

Martin

[California Dreamin]

Good news....however, 13.9volts is still on the lower side of the regulators tolerance.....you may have some voltage drop over those long cables.

Just as a matter of interest and if you get the opportunity, see what the measurement is directly from the alternator.

Martin