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Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 17:37
by Oldiebut goodie
Might be a 14.2v regulator rather than a 14.5. My 14.5v one puts out 14.3 at the alternator - replacing a 14v one that was giving 13.8v. Same with my boat alternator, there is a 0.2v lower voltage output compared to the marked 14.5.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 17:39
by jrt
Evening,will do but not tonight, just piled all my crap back into the boot.
When I checked what I was getting when we bought the van it was the same reading but I will see what I get directly from the alternator.
The bit about the brushes length I got out of my manual, I measured the new ones and they were approx 13mm.
David
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 20:13
by bigherb
California Dreamin wrote:jrt wrote:I had a look, new bushes are 13mm and should be replaced when 5mm
That really doesn't sound right!
Martin
Why?

Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 21:16
by California Dreamin
Why?
Because I know that they are longer .... but I can see quoted figures are for the protruding length and not the actual length so it makes sense.
The braided wire prevents the brushes coming all the way out and holds a fair length inside the housing, brushes are a lot longer than 13mm new.
Martin
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 08 Sep 2015, 22:00
by bigherb
California Dreamin wrote:Why?
Because I know that they are longer .... but I can see quoted figures are for the protruding length and not the actual length so it makes sense.
The braided wire prevents the brushes coming all the way out and holds a fair length inside the housing, brushes are a lot longer than 13mm new.
Martin
But you always measure the service length from the bottom of the brush box.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 09 Sep 2015, 06:38
by CovKid
If only it was brush length that was under scrutiny here.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 23 Sep 2015, 11:26
by Sir Brixalot
My battery light is still on. On starting the van I'm only getting 11.6 from the alternator but when the van is warm and after dipping the accelerator so the revs drop I get 14.2. Is this just a coincidence? I have the 90 Bosch. I changed the brushes a couple of months ago.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 23 Sep 2015, 12:23
by CovKid
Yes but does the light stay off after revving? If it does, join the club. Mine is the same. You just get into a habit of blipping the thrrottle after starting.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 21:58
by Sir Brixalot
No CK, it stays on. Only started recently two blue lines join before the alternator, thought it was bad contact so I put a crimped a new lug onto the alternator.
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 03 Oct 2015, 18:15
by dickspanner
Ok, read this thread with interest as have a constant battery light on dash.
Tried a new alternator, no difference.
Tester on battery showing it is charging.
So wondered what is regulator and where will I find it, is it testable if not are they cheap to replace.
Want this sorting as will not sell crewcab with a fault and it is going on ebay next week.
Cheers
Dickspanner
Re: red battery/alt' light problem
Posted: 04 Oct 2015, 10:56
by CovKid
If you've replaced alternator, its unlikely to be regulator as its part of alternator (two screws on the back) - unless its a S/H alternator. Check what voltage you get across battery when engine is running. 13.5 - 14v typically.
Possibly poor earth somewhere. Check dash connector on back of clocks.