Club 80-90 Forums

Any Ideas....?
After a longish drive at the weekend - turned the engine off - only for it not to start again - jump started it engine running fine though temp/fuel gauge not working. Jump started it next morning - batt warning light on went out after 5 mins driving - fuel gauge now working but still woundnt turn over - guessed alty fault - checked output at alternator terminals- less than 1 v. (newish) Battery showing 7.6v. knackered alternator?

Also - Just before we set off i was looking at the fuse box behind driver seat (from leisure battery - which was fully charged)- one of the terminals felt quite hot so I took both fuses out, I also noticed the power supply to the radio was loose checked it and it was sparking on the metal surround - I think I know the answer before I ask but could this have anything to do with it. I mention it as they were the only things I had messed about before setting off - and it seemed to be fine before that.

This happend before - about 1 month ago - replced with new lucas alternator - has been fine had several weekends away in it. Could there be a problem which is destroying my alternators.
I m reluctant to just stick in another one in case the same happens - we're of to Cornwall on our honeymoon for 2 weeks soon dont want to plan the trip around cornish auto electricians and breakers (and I think my missus feels the same way).

As the alternator is a direct connection to the battery even if it's not working it still should read the same voltage as the battery. Which wires did you check at the alternator.
Mike

I unplugged the connection to the battery to measure the alt output.

I think I m going to borrow another multi-meter though - just to be sure like - its only a cheapo.

The voltage at the battery reads about .5 of a volt higher when the engine is running (and alt connected).

You can only measure the alternator output with the plug connected it needs to sense a battery voltage before it will start working.
Mike

I was waiting for someone to spot that. Ermmm....I ve just got to go and do something outside.....something that has nothing to do with splitting alternator plugs....!!

Thanks Bigherb

Alternators is fine - traced the problem to a loose connection between Alt and Batt.