Altenator Problems

[Guest david]

having just burnt out my altenator (thanks Pete, they reckon the jump start must have contributed to its demise) I've fitted a replacement but am having problems.

 

Theignition warning light remains on and the volts are about 11 ie not charging. I've checked the two terminals back to the battery & they're, same with the small wire to the ignition warning light. The warning light goes out when the plug is removed from the altenator which makes me think the altenator must earthing ok.

 

anybody any suggestions where else to look before I start thinking that my replacement is duff (shouldn't be as it's new)

 

thanks

[IanS]

If this is a rebuilt / reconditioned alternator There is a good chance that it is also duff. A lot of them are rebuilt and not realy tested..

 

The first check I do in situations like this is batery polarity.. At the risk of teaching granny to suck eggs.

[Guest AWhite]

Does the light stay on constantly or does it dim if you rev the engine?

[Guest daveg]

David

 

Check you have a good earth on the engine. A multimeter reading DC Volts should show 0v between battery -ve and the engine block, check this also with engine running.

 

You cannot blow an alternator by jump starting! (Unless you use a lorry's 24volts and then you'd blow a lot more )

 

Dave

[Guest david]

thanks guys - turned out that the replacement was duff.

 

However I'm a bit concerned about the new replacement as every now & again the volts climb to 14 - 16 ish. as a precaution I've double checked the voltmeter on the dashboard (if anything it tends to read slightly low).

 

Is this another duff repalcement or could my wiring be contributing to the problem?

 

I know long distance fixes without first sight of the problem is never easy but any ideas welcomed.

 

David

[Guest david]

thanks turned out replacement was also faulty - three alternators in 3 weeks, is that a record??