charging

[tomas.geoghegan]

Hi There Could you please help me.
Every couple of weeks i have to charge my battery up.
The red light does not come to say that the Dynamo is not chargeing.
Is it the Regulater?
The battery is good.
Thanks Tom Geoghegan

[bmcecosse]

Either the battery is failing - or the charging is insufficient - the battery should NEVER need charging. You really need a DC voltmeter (Maplins) - and report the battery volts when the engine is running at a fast idle. Should be 13.8/14 volts. Worth checking the fan belt is tight enough meantime.

[tomas.geoghegan]

Many Thanks
Will take your advice and check current from the dynamo.
Best Regards
Tom

[beero]

Is something draining the battery? Easy way to tell without a meter, take the pos+ connector off the battery and when you touch it back onto the battey post do you get a small spark? Don't do this with the doors open because the interior light will be on.

[katy]

If you turn the key on, (without starting the engine) the red light should come on, if it doesn't, it's probably burnt out.

[bmcecosse]

In all my years with cars - I have NEVER known the Ign light (or the Oil Warning light for that matter) to burn out........ They are normally only ON for a few seconds at a time.......

[katy]

"They are normally only ON for a few seconds at a time......."

That's true, but they can still burn out or otherwise fail, and should be verified that it is working.

[MarkyB]

A quick and dirty check, best done a night, is just to turn the headlights on and see if they get a bit brighter when the engine is revved.

[tomas.geoghegan]

Hi There Thanks for every ones advice on my chargeing problem .
i no this was a while ago but know im useing my lights now more being winter.
And want to get this sorted out.
Just to reriterate Im still haveing to charge my battery every Week .
As advised iv checked The voltage from the Dynamow and is showing a good charge of 14 volts.And have put a new battery on the car. And tightened the fan belt.And there is know spark when i disconect the positive lead and touch the terminal to say something is draining the battery.I think if there was something eles draining the battery it would go flat allot quicker.
The only thing i can think of is The voltage regulator is not working properly??
I would be very Gratefull any more advice.
Thanks Tom Geoghegan

[Sarge]

Have you got a stereo fitted ?


(I just fitted one and am suspicious that it may be the cause of my non starting, despite the battery having 12v (not checked it at fast idle) I did a lot of short runs with music and heater and head lights on and then no start, so perhaps my newly installed alternator and stereo aren't working quite as planned )

[beero]

It is a fine balance with a dynamo. If you are having to turn the engine over a lot to start and then only going on a short run it will not recharge sufficiently. Even if you go for a long run, with lights,heater,wipers etc it may still not charge enough.
If you can tell us how far you are going on average per startup someone may be able to say "mine is okay with the same usage" or "mine also needs charging with similar usage"
We all get a bit spoiled with modern car electrics charging so well.

[tomas.geoghegan]

Hi Thanks for your reply.
Yes im doing around 30miles and my engine starts first turn of the key.
But one comment was that i should not ever have to charge the battery up?
And isnt once a week a bit hectic?
Tom Geoghegan

[C6Dave]

You could try a CTEK XS0.8 12v Conditioner from http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatal ... rgers.html

It will keep the battery in tip top condition and let you know if it's time the battery was changed. Maybe yours isn't holding the charge it's getting from the dynamo

[tomas.geoghegan]

Many Thanks for that! Might be good solution.
Ive put a new battery on the car.Sadly the other one must have been good>
Tom Geoghegan

[beero]

Yes, I would have thought 30 miles was plenty to replace the charge from a startup providing it isn't in traffic, at tickover, with lights,etc on.
When you tested 14v was that across the battery or somewhere else?

[bmcecosse]

If the 30 miles includes sitting in traffic with the engine idling/lights and heater on - no wonder it runs down. It may be better for you to fit an alternator...... Meantime - keep everything off as much as possible and perhaps raise the idle speed slightly for the winter period. At 14 volts -the voltage regulator is fine.

[kennatt]

30miles with a dynamo,lights wipers heater on,stop start in traffic and the battery will actually be discharging,just a bm says convert to alternator,your problems will then go away.One of the essential mods on a minor,

[tomas.geoghegan]

Hi i Tested Across the battery.
I think i need to Leave the battery on charge for longer.
Buti this will not totally iradicate the problem, The battery will just last that little bit longer.

Thanks for your help I will be gratefull any more surgestions
Best Regards Tom

[bmcecosse]

Seriously - grab an alternator from a scrappy - easy to fit and it will make a world of difference.

[tomas.geoghegan]

Your Right About changeing To an alternator will probably do the job.
But my moggy is totally original And i think it would be a shame to change it.
VERY GRATE FULL for all your Help and surport
Best Regards Tom Geoghegan