Time for new alternator?

[Freddievan]

I replaced the voltage regulator on my alternator 3 years ago but I'm having the same issues again.  Is it time to replace the alternator or just keep replacing the voltage regulator?

[AngeloEvs]

What is the issue?

[mioba]

What brand did you use as a replacement.

I replaced mine this year as preventive measure with the same bosch unit. 12 quid NOS off ebay.

Cheap regulators will have cheap bushes.

The old was ok. I think the min is 5mm on the bushes.

Cant imagine you hammered the bus too much to eat the bushes

[tobydog]

What are the slip rings like?

[bigherb]

Pointless replacing the alternator if it just the regulator, some do use softer brushes, no bad thing, it does save wear on the slip rings.

[Freddievan]

The issue is that the battery doesn't charge when the engine is running and becomes totally flat after a few minutes.  Luckily discovered this whilst running the engine on my drive.  Same thing happened 3 years ago and replaced regulator.  Can't remember the brand but it was a recommended one from a reputable spares company (Brickwerks, I think) .  

I don't know what the slip rings are, sorry.

[tobydog]

The brushes make contact with the slip rings...

https://www.linquip.com/blog/alternator ... e-purpose/

 

[AngeloEvs]

You haven’t mentioned if the Alternator Charge Warning light is on with the engine running. Have you measured the Alternator output voltage at the Alternator itself and at the battery terminals to eliminate any possibility of connection, wiring problems?

[Freddievan]

OK, bit of a delay but...

I took the van to an auto-electrician and he tested everything and said there were no issues anywhere.  The only thing he could think of was that the extreme cold had some effect on the battery.  And there have indeed been no problems since with the battery.

[Robsey]

I have known of a few people who's batteries had all dropped voltage during the extreme cold snap a few months ago.

A few days later, when the frosts had gone away, full battery service / voltage had resumed all by itself.

Strange, as I had never heard of it before this last winter.

I wonder how 'proper' cold countries manage.
You never hear of those having battery issues in the cold.

On a separate note -battery construction / quality has changed a lot over the past couple of years.
It must have done, because I have heard of a lot more leisure style batteries failing prematurely.
Even previously good companies like Lucas have churned out garbage over the past twelve months.