Dynamo

[littleblackflash]

Sorry, I got it the wrong way round. The contact in the regulator is made but doesn't open at idle (I think it should - correct me).

The dim light can come on at any engine speed and doesn't seam to be speed, revs, load and throttle position related. Upping the idle speed made no difference.

yes- dynamo commitator cleaned but was very good anyway.

[PSL184]

The points will open at idle speed if the idle speed is very low - They should definately open as soon as the engine is off. Is the regulator a new chinese made jobbie or a proper one? Can you switch back to you original regulator and see if it cures the problem?

[bmcecosse]

We need to see the volts when the engine is doing a good lick - not just at idle.

[littleblackflash]

Well I confused more, but still pleased.

Engine off 12.4v
Idle - 12.2v
Fast Idle - 13.6v

SO I increased the idle spped to get 12.6v and the red light went out. Went for a little drive and after about 1mile the light started to come back on. I was doing 40mph in 4th with little throttle.

Went back home and connected the multimeter again and ran the wires through to the cab so I could see the voltage when driving. Next test run showed over 14v all the way and no light on.

Disconnected the meter and went for another run. And guess what - no red light.

I can only conclude, brushes needed 10miles to bed in or the voltage regulator solenoid needing time to free up. It was stuck when I first got it. It was new from ESM so could well be a chiniese one.

Will try to use the car more over the next few days and see if it's still ok.

[PSL184]

The voltages are good and what I would expect to see. Double check all connections are clean and well made and enjoy driving

[bmcecosse]

Yep - charging well - in fact - overcharging if that 14volts is to be believed. May be bad connections - the light will glow if the dynamo is creating higher volts than at the battery - in other words - it can back-feed through the warning light into the ignition circuit - if that circuit is at 'low' volts due to a bad connection. If the battery volts are really 14 - look to see if the battery is 'fizzing' - and getting warm! The regulator box may be causing the dynamo to overcharge - you really need an accurate voltmeter to set it up. Yours looks ok - because 12.4 volts if fine for a fully charged battery - off charge. So I do wonder if it's going too high - try to get a second opinion on that voltage!

[PSL184]

I would expect to see 14v for a short period of time which would then drop to around 13.6/13.7 volts... The charge rate will go up if lights are on of course......

[littleblackflash]

oh, so I could be over charging?

I was seeing 14.0 to 14.7 with my fluke multimeter which is calibrated. When I stopped I got about 13.3v which soon dropped to 12.6v.
Battery is less than a year old and is still good. Started the car after 2month being outside in the snow with out a problem. It's not showing any problems with the battery so how can I tell if it is over charging?

[PSL184]

14.7 is way too high - You can (should) adjust the regulator - Details in the workshop manual. However, you are the second person I have heard of recently with a new reg that was not correctly adjusted. The other person took theirs back for a replacement which was OK.......

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - anything over 14 volts is too high - 13.8 would be normal. I would ask the supplier to send another! If you start fiddling with it to adjsut the rate - they will then never take it back. Overcharged battery will be fizzing/bubbling - needing water added - and HOT after a run!