alternator light

[jeffdub]

after a bit of advice please occasionally when drivibg my battery light flickers on over the past couple of weeks when starting the battery seems a bit sluggish but does start its as if its going to die then fires up in the dark with no lights on the battery light is faintly on very dimly but still on tested the alternator and its charging ok do you think it might just need a new battery ? im a new owner and dont know how long the battery has been fitted cheers jeff

[kevtherev]

I had this, flickered for weeks, then on dimly, off and on, then fzzzt, it was on permanent and no charge to the battery.
I tried changing the regulator, tightened the belt, tickover adjusted.
All the earths and connections cleaned

it turned out to be the diode plate in the alternator... new alternator cured it.

[jeffdub]

Thanks kev its a 65amp at the moment is it best to upgrade to a 90 amp ?

[kevtherev]

Not unless you have a large power consumption whilst moving?

I fitted one once and couldn't notice any difference.
I am back on 45 amp again.

[jeffdub]

thanks kev ive just checked the wiring from the alternator to the starter motor and its rotten and brittle broke one by touching it ! looks like its been bodged together may as well replace all that as well i suppose ?

[kevtherev]

Nice new cables... fit and forget

[jeffdub]

since fixing the broken wire the light has stayed off been for a good run and no sign of the light flickering ! going to replace all the wires the weekend and see how it goes

[kevtherev]

This is a great example of "take a look and see" it sometimes is as plain as the nose on your face where the problem lies.
Good post jeff

[jeffdub]

thanks kev im learning

[jeffdub]

thanks kev im learning

[CovKid]

Might be charging, but not enough, particularly if used for short runs. Check and see if with engine running, you read around 14v across the battery. If not I'd replace the brush/diode unit on the alternator which incidently IS the regulator. This unit can go either altogether, or get slowly worse, not keeping up with demand. Its all one unit and around £15. Two crosshead screws hold it on to the back of the alternator. If after that you stiill have probs, try swapping for a known good battery and then you'll get a better idea if yours is below par. Often its cold weather that takes out an already duff battery that 'just' worked in the summer.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Interestingly mine has just also stopped charging - upon inspection my alternator looks like a Lucas one but has separate brush holder and regulators which, after much research, turn out to be Valeo/Motorola makes! (No marks or labels on it whatsoever). So don't assume that you have a Bosch alternator as 20 years later your van could have anything in it!

[CovKid]

Too true, after being parked up for a week I discovered a family of Chinese living in mine.

[Oldiebut goodie]