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New alternator in France?!

Posted: 17 Sep 2024, 14:21
by DM164
On holiday and alternator has gone, any suggestions on where might stock one? All of the usual UK sites seem to be on back order so think it could be a problem here too.

Any advice would be great.

Battery light does go off intermittently but battery doesn’t seem to be charging, battery voltage drops on engine start.

Changed the belt yesterday for a new one and tensioned properly so the smell of burning rubber has gone for now. Similar posts have indicated that burning rubber intermittent light and dropped voltage all mean dead alternator so resigning myself for the worst.

Quick question: is the battery light initiated by low voltage across the battery or based on alternator output? Haven’t seen this documented anywhere

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 17 Sep 2024, 14:28
by DM164
Should say that I’m in Brittany near mont st michel but hopefully could get delivery to campsite

New alternator in France?!

Posted: 17 Sep 2024, 16:02
by clift_d
I’d suggest getting in touch with Brickwerks - they managed to get parts express delivered to us when we broke down on a remote campsite in the Icelandic highlands a few years back:

viewtopic.php?p=8156546

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 17 Sep 2024, 19:39
by Oldiebut goodie
All the symptoms of failing brush pack/regulator. Brushes are making intermittent contact hence light going out sometimes. 5 minute job to replace usually.

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 18 Sep 2024, 05:04
by mioba
The little black bush pack on the back.

Serialkombi i believe are french / bloody expensive.

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 18 Sep 2024, 15:02
by DM164
Well that was interesting. Driving from Cherbourg to St Malo after confirming that the alternator was still intermittently supplying power to the battery when the van cut out - but not because of the battery?!

Starter motor sounded fine but van just turning over. Checked fuel filter and not blocked but was letting small bits of rust through. Took the hose off the carb intake and nothing out of the fuel pump on ignition - blocked knackered fuel pump suspected.

Breakdown cover to the rescue and now waiting for a suitable garage to have a look as it’s beyond my limited ability

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 18 Sep 2024, 16:04
by ZsZ
Also check your exciter (blue, D+) wire. If it is almost broke then it can cause intermittent symptoms

Re: New alternator in France?!

Posted: 18 Sep 2024, 17:06
by TONYT25T25
Maybe worth also checking the cone filter that sits in the fuel inlet in the carb from the fuel pump. The screw in the image is used to remove the filter.
Image