No charge...!!!

[Morrisminormo]

Since the clocks gave gone back I'm driving home in the dark and have struggled to keep my volt meter in the charge zone without any thing else electrical on. If I turn my headlights off the gauge goes straight up to charging, even with fan wipers it's still charging. Last few days my dynamo had been whining away, like a alternator would with a dead battery. This morning I started her up and the red light won't go out?? Any ideas?? Brushes? Shall I just buy a altetnator conversion?
Help is very much appreciated

[MarkyB]

Brushes and check the belt is in good condition and tight enough.

[lambrettalad]

plus 1 for bushes

alternator is a good long run improvement,tho lots will disagree

[bmcecosse]

I doubt there is a problem with the bushes? But yes - the brushes may need replacing - and yes, keep the belt nice and tight. With a dynamo you do need to be clever with the use of electricity - headlamps OFF when not required (so in town traffic etc) - keep wipers off unless required and don't sit with foot on brake pedal in traffic. If the car is daily use then yes an alternator will be wise - but there is nothing intrinsically wrong with a dynamo if in good condition.

[Morrisminormo]

I drove to my parents house which is 7 miles away to pick up my other car, and the light still was on, had a good look around everything seems ok. Strange how it was working last night albeit whining, and this morning nothing. I may upgrade for £60 for alternator as it's my everyday car. But I still have a spare dynamo in the garage from my last minor. Worth a try?

[mogbob]

It won't take you half an hour to swap over...so what you've got to lose ?
You can set the fan belt tension at the same time !!
Bob

[bmcecosse]

Yes - swap the dynamo - but I suggest the 'whining' would be the fan belt slipping - so a NEW belt could be a good idea.

[Morrisminormo]

Hi
Checked fan belt, nice and tight, all connections are all there and no broken wires and still not charging. I have ordered alternator from ESM and I will do that on Saturday.
Still no idea, possible regulator failure?

[mike.perry]

An ammeter is far better than a volt meter for showing you if you are taking more out of the battery than you are putting in

[bmcecosse]

£60 - wow.... Used to pick them up for £1 !! Here's one for £5 at the moment... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lucas-Alterna ... 20da3b659e
Is the car already negative earth? If not - you will need to change it before fitting the alternator.

[lambrettalad]

beware an over tight fan belt ,can knacker the water pump ,good luck

[Trickydicky]

Also check the points on the regulator on the bulkhead, they could be sticking.