Alternator Charging?

[mike.perry]

1275 Engine, Alternator, No Control Box
On the way back from the National Rally yesterday, about an hour from home, the ignition light started glowing faintly, the lights output dimmed and the voltmeter read 11.5 volts. The fanbelt is tight and there is still enough power to start the engine.
Is it a simple fix or should I be looking for a new alternator?

[bmcecosse]

Most likely it's just the brushes - easy to change if it's a Lucas ACR ?

[mike.perry]

Cheers Roy, I am not too familiar with the insides of an alternator, never had one go wrong before. All I need to do is find somewhere that sells alternator brushes since all the Lucas dealerships have closed.

[Stig]

I got a set of brushes from an Ebay trader.

...then I found it still wasn't charging and ended up getting a recon. alternator.

[charlie_morris_minor]

Most likely it's just the brushes - easy to change if it's a Lucas ACR ?

why bother? isnt it cheaper to fit a "new" alternator Roy

[simmitc]

IF (and it is a big IF) you are very lucky, just take the alternator off the car, shake it around a bit, and blow an airline through it. Refit and test. With luck, it may well work again.

This has happened to the alternator on the boat twice now, and it's been just dust on the slip ring. If you're unlucky, it won't have cost you anything, and you can still get a new / second-hand unit. Not expensive in the great scheme of things.

[katy]

Here's what you need to know:
http://www.greenenergywindturbine.com/d ... ok_ocr.pdf
HTH

[bmcecosse]

The brushes are readily available - and easily changed. Well worth trying! The shake etc method may well work for a bit - as the outer brush reaches the end of travel it's spring force becomes very little - and it sticks quite easily - so a shake - or a bump with a hammer my encourage it make contact again - for a few more miles.

If it is an ACR alternator - here are the brushes - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/P74-BRUSH-SET-LUC ... 5d273cab1a

[mike.perry]

Thanks for all the info.
The only question is when do I do it?
Before or after I service the brakes and MOT the MM, replace the top link bushes and check the brakes on the Traveller and fit the soundproofing and replace the Traveller parcel shelf?

[bmcecosse]

I would say right away - the car is useless without a working charging system - and it will only take 30 mins or so! Of course - if like me you have a couple of spare alternators in stock (at £1 each) - then just stick on a spare for now and repair the worn one on a dark/wet/winter night!

[alanworland]

I have had an experience of a 'reconditioned' alternator where th front bearings (pulley end) do not get changed! by the 'reconditioners'
I know they are not the easiest to get off but unless they can convince you that all servicable parts have been replaced I would do it yourself
2 races, slip ring and a set of brushes and it will be good for another 80,000 miles or so

[mike.perry]

Halfway around the brakes on the MM, which of course includes drum removal and a visible heck on the operation of the wheel cylinders then book the MOT then on to the alternator. I have no spare alternators and since I have no control box I cannot revert to a dynamo.

[bmcecosse]

You really need to find out if it is an ACR alternator - or later type. Do you know if it is an ex scrappy alternator - or a 'new buy' from a supplier ? Brushes can be changed in both - but of course you need the right brushes! A spare alternator is a very handy thing.........

[mike.perry]

It looks like a standard Lucas alternator. I will check for any identifying nos in the morning.
Further clues - When I turn the ignition on the ign light stays out then glows when the engine is running. It is probably a co incidence but my indicatior warning light stopped working about the same time, however when the flasher is rewired so that the oil filter light works as the ind. light then that is ok. I need to supply a live feed to the ind warning light to check the bulb.
The car battery is at present on charge.

[mike.perry]

Had the alternator checked out and it was knackered so I exchanged it. It is a 16 ACR.
Replaced the top trunnion rubbers and sorted the brakes so it is back in action

[bmcecosse]

It probably just needed brushes........ I hate to think what an 'exchange' cost! Hope you fitted poly bushes to the top trunnions - makes a HUGE difference to the way the car handles!