Morris Minor Owners Club

Not really a Minor problem, but could apply, I'm sure someone will know the answer....

Sometime ago my ignition light stopped coming on, thought it was a blown bulb, but it wasn't. Car started ok so thought nothing of it, until some weeks later the battery went flat.
I suspect that the alternator is not charging the battery.....
So I changed the alternator for one the thought worked (still no ignition light) and brought a new battery, ran for several months, same problem flat batttery.

So is the alternator at fault or is it because of the ignition light fault that the alternator isn't working.

Also is there way I can wire up the ignition circuit to prove one way or another whether its the alternator or ignition circuit.

thanks in advance Keith

Consider fitting an ammeter to your car.
Then you will be able to tell at a glance if your battery is charging or discharging while you are driving along.

Lo, if,as you say, the car ran for several months before the
battery went flat, it is obvious that you were getting a charge
of some sort to keep it going that long. With the headlights
on you should have noticed an increase in the brightness when
you revved up?? As 'newage' suggests, an ammeter would
show the amount of charge you are getting but perhaps it would
be better to fit it temporarily by removing the unearthed battery
terminal cable and inserting the ammeter between that cable
and the battery terminal. This must be done securely, because
if it becomes disconnected during your testing the Alternator
will cease to function!!! It would seem,on balance,easier to
ask any auto electrician to check the output of the alternator.
A basic question..... is the fan belt tight?? with an alternator
you should not be able to turn the fan by hand.
Willie

please clarify. You are NOT running a Minor (which has been
modified to use an Alternator)? If so, was the car in question
originally fitted with a dynamo. If yes, is the original charging
control box in place?
Willie

Excellent point Willie, yes the car in question, a 68 Land Rover, has been converted from a dynamo, the original control box isn't utilised.
thanks Keith

Ok Keith, I do not know if the Land Rover uses the same wiring
colour coding as the Minor so am at a loss. Also,because the
control box is not present any more it makes life difficult in
trying to advise you. Just in case....on your new connecting
block or whatever has been used there could be a Green/Yellow
wire which is joined to a Thin Yellow wire ONLY( not connected
to anything else. Check that this is a good joint.
Willie

Thanks for all the suggestions.....following on from Willie's suggestion.....after some investigation.....I discovered that there was a break in the small wire of the small connector going to the alternator.
thanks Keith