Battery Problem i think HELP!

[jbullimore1]

Just got a Morris minor as my first car.Having a few problems with the battery charging .I recently put a new battery in as the previous one was dead all was going ok until i hadn't driven the car for about two days and it wouldn't start. Managed to jump start it, got it down the road and it cut out which would be fine on a country road but as i live in London not the best thing.

Got it home thanks to RAC and they said my alternator wasn't working but i didn't think it had one thought it had a dynamo which confused me.

Got an external charger which worked and car started no problem and from looking at other posts it should be i 12.4 -12.6 on idle which it is using the voltmeter.

Just wondered if i have found a quick solution to a much bigger problem and would be great if anyone has any advice for a novice that wants to learn.

Oh and the red light is of when i am driving.

[charlie_morris_minor]

just because a moggy left the factory with a dynmo it does not mean that you still have one, swapping to alternator is a common conversion so the RAC man might have been correct..

you say that car is charging at 12.4 - 12.6 volts at tick over, the important value is what the charging is when running at a fast idle it should be closer to 14 volts..

if you have a read of this thread, it might help you get some answers quickly..

http://mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t ... o+charging

[IslipMinor]

Does it have a dynamo or alternator? Can you post a picture of the engine bay so that we can see?

[bmcecosse]

Welcome to the forum - first step is to check if the fan belt is tight enough. Also - when driving in town traffic - switch off headlights to save current. Much idling with heater/wipers/lights etc on all the time will drain the battery - even with an alternator. The alternator (big silvery thing on right side of engine - is that what you have?) may be partly faulty and able to give only limited current to the system. As Charlie points out - the voltage at decent revs shiuld be 13.8/14.2 volts - then check again this time with heater and headlights switched on - and report back the results.

[jbullimore1]

Will check and get back to you thanks

[jbullimore1]

Just checked engine

With choke nearly all the way out was reading 13.4

1/2 way 13.2

All way in 12.6ish

I have also attached a picture of my engine

Any help would be great

Thanks
James[frame][/frame]

[aupickup]

i see its an halfords battery
[]

[stag36587]

i see its an halfords battery

I am just about to take mine back because it doesn't hold its charge

[smithskids]

Looks like a dynamo

[aupickup]

mine is the 2nd one in 2 years
i got a replacement one last year as it wasnt holding a charge especially in the winter, summer of coure is fine

[bmcecosse]

It IS a dynamo - and it is charging correctly - although we need you to check again with headlights and heater fan ON! Did you tighten the fan belt?

[jbullimore1]

Not to sound like a complete idiot.But not quite sure how to tighten the fan belt.

[lambrettalad]

maybe you need more hands on practical help

[beero]

Hi James, welcome to the forum. To adjust the dynamo see the picture. Loosen the 2 bolts shown where the 2 top arrows are then you will find a sliding adjuster where the lower arrow is. When you have adjusted the belt so there is about 1/2 - 1 inch play on the longest run tighten up the bottom first then the 2 top bolts. Whereabouts are you? Someone local may offer to show you.[frame][/frame]

[jbullimore1]

I live in north London near Kilburn. If anyone lives near buy or knows of anyone that would be up for helping would be great.Happy to drive if need be.

I assume im checking the belt to make sure its tensioned and not slack.

James

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - it's the easiest thing in the world - 5 minute job at worst! Morris Minors are very much DIY cars - all too many people end up getting ripped taking them to garages. I urge you to enroll in a Car Maintenance class as soon as possible.

[beero]

What a shame! I lived in Kilburn up till 1970. You are 43 years too late! (Mind, I didn't know much about cars then.....)