Broken down in Lake Disrtrict

[Tony]

Well what do you know. The E type has just broken down in the lake district while my Son and his new wife are on there way back to their cottage. Any members by the B5289 Esat of Cockermouth about a mile from Low Lorton.The problem seems to be the old electrics again as the car will not turn over but there is power to the wipers etc

[christopher storey]

Oh crikey ! can they get a push start ? (2nd gear is best and let the car get up to a full walking pace before sharply engaging the clutch ) . Other things to check -- battery connection loose ? ( this often allows 12 volts at low current but once any load is applied the connection breaks down ) -- do lights go dim when starter pressed ( this shows that button is working but that battery is probably flat )

[Tony]

Hi Chris,

I ask them to leave it for 20 minutes and try again. Fortunately it has started so i am presuming the battery has run its self down. I asked him to leave it running at 1500 revs and it seems to be charging on the ampmeter.

They are waiting for the RAC man to arrive. It sound as if it needs to charged over night.

Thanks for the reply. I think it is time to consider a alternator.

[Tony]

They are back safely in their cottage. The RAC man did lots of check and announced that everything was ok. Not sure why it cut out while driving but obviously the battery was well run down. By this time is was dark and my son said the headlights were as much use as a turd in a swimming pool.( His words). They border on dangerous.
Maybe it is because lights were always that rubbish in my day that I have accepted them, but they are rubbish. Very current topic at the moment with David's post.
Maybe one day we will get a good solution.

[Heuer]

Tony

Unless you want to do the concours d' arrogance circuit you need to move to an alternator charging system. For stealth go with one of those Dynalite things or a full alternator conversion if you don't care. Regardless of what you decide to do the relay headlight upgrade is pretty essential if you drive at night or go through tunnels. Totally seamless, cheap and hidden so I can't see a downside but it is there if you need it as you found out on your epic run from Lille to Chateau Montcaud. Took me 14 years to understand why it is essential. Just don't go mad with a high output alternator - I am working with Cambridge Motor Sport to get their 55amp Nippondenso back in stock, which they will do if there is enough demand. For the 3.8 though I would go with the Dynalite because of ease of fitting.