----- Original Message -----
From: Jon <a77mgb@yahoo.com>
To: mgs list <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: Alternator no chargy
> I have never seen the ignition warning lamp. I don't
> think it has ever worked.
Shame on you
> The alternator was surely
> working until very recently.
Now you know what the ignition warning light is for
>I got a chance to take a
> few measurements this morning, in the cold rain before
> work. Being safety minded, I always do my electrical
> work in the rain:
>
> Running at about 1200 RPM (after exceeding 3000, I
> think), the output measured slightly less then battery
> voltage, maybe 11.5 VDC.
Your alt is knackered
> With the alternator unplugged I measured about 1.5
> Volts DC on the output referenced to ground. I flipped
> the meter to AC and measured 5 to 8 VAC, fluctuating
> somewhat.
>
> BTW: by *output*, I mean the terminal where the BIG
> wire goes.
>
> Also the battery went completely flat over the
> weekend. It was charged to 12 volts. This morning it
> was so dead the clock stopped (honest, it wasn't my
> face that stopped the clock). I did above measurements
> after charging the battery.
Bad alt diodes (short-circuit) will also flatten the battery while it is
parked
> So, does the 1.5 VDC mean a bad regulator? Or does the
> fact that is discharges when sitting for a few days
> mean a shorted diode?
Either or both. Get a new alt.
PaulH.
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