Charging System Diagnosis

Well, they have to move the starter to remove the gearbox, so my money is on something being not replaced/not tightened/shorted/trapped in that vicinity.

Of course I could be doing Mr clutch a disservice, but somehow I doubt it.

Steve (not you, the other one)

hi steve. i sounds as though it is not giving the amps to run everything.

tighten up the fanbelt.. failing that it may need a newbelt.. i doubt it is the alternator under the curcumstances

Had run ins with these charactors some years back , not the best advert for car mechanics they have probably dislodged a cable connection , not reconnected an earth strap or trapped wires , cowboys come to mind

First thing to do is measure the voltage across the battery to ascertain if the alternator *is* charging. With the engine at a fast idle it should be something like 13.8 - 14.4 volts.

The alternator has usually just one plug on the back, and this is easily checked for being plugged in - as would be those which have screw connectors etc. As would any damage to the alternator output cable. If the engine turns over on the starter ok with a fresh battery you can assume the engine earth is fine.

On the 'Scrote, the alternator output lead runs from the alt to the starter where it is sandwiched under the main battery feed wire on the starter solonoid- its a brown wire. Thus a disconnection here will result in light going off as per normal, but no power reaching the battery.

Tim..

Thanks to all who replied. Fortunately a simple problem in the end. The output lead from the alternator had broken at the crimped connector, due to corrosion. Quite conceivable that the final coup de gras was a knock it got at Mr Clutch, but in all conscience I can't really blame them. And the clutch is fine!

Now, do I need to buy a new cable with end connectors already fitted, or can I trim back the cable and fit a new end connector myself? These are quite a bit bigger than the standard crimped cable connectors you can buy in kits. I'll check in the local Autoparts store tomorrow. Goodnight all.

Steve

If this is the end at the alternator, i.e. the plug with two large and one small lucar terminals, you can get a kit consisting of the three terminals and the plug. Should be available at most factors, certainly is at Lucas if you've one near you. Helps if you've already got a crimping tool.

Steve

To make a crimp correctly you really need the correct tool - and for this size they're expensive. With a bit of luck a good accessory shop will have a suitable cable ready made.