Alternator questions

Beastieboy · Post by **Beastieboy** » Sat Aug 31, 2013 3:52 pm

Hi all, sorry for the post if it has been covered - I've searched and not found an answer !
In simple laymans terms please.
Alternator is not charging - S2 FHC 1070. Went on a longish drive last weekend, opened her up a bit - out today and ignition light is on and no charge showing on the gauge.
Read lots about upgrading the Alternator - assume these are not S2 though ?
Is it easier to get a new one or find someone who refurbs existing ? For less than 3000 miles a year is is really worth upgrading ? Cant be messing around changing fans etc - direct swap is my limit.
Am based in Newbury but drive to Weybridge so anyone know somewhere for a replacement/refurb in nearish area ?
Finally - I assume there isnt a normal obvious thing to be done - all wiring etc looks OK
thanks
Steve

Post by **1954Etype** » Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:03 pm

Get the circuit checked as it might not be the alternator. The 4TR control box could be at fault.

Beastieboy · Post by **Beastieboy** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 7:06 pm

Hi Angus,
thanks for the pointer - spent a lazy afternoon reading the workshop manual (yes I should have done that earlier) and searching the web. I think I understand it better now.
Looks very much like the Alt control box when I do the test described in the manual - so ordered a new one and hope that sorts it. Bit by luck I also found a very local company that only refurb alternators and starters - 15 mins away. So while I am at it I am will bring forward some preventative maintenance (I have no idea how old the alternator is) and get that refurbed also.
Their details are http://www.burghfieldstarterandalternat ... contact-us
will let you all know how I get on when I contact them tomorrow.
cheers
Steve

Post by **1954Etype** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 7:37 pm

Excellent! I had a Series 2 alternator refurbished by my local Sam centre for ?80.

keep us informed with progress Steve.

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 9:39 am

The S2 also usually has an alternator relay attached to the left hand top rail. If this fails ( and they do because there is a lot of heat there ) you will get no charge . Can be checked with a voltmeter on the actuating side i.e. the 12 volt supply and then with a continuity tester on the current side

Beastieboy · Post by **Beastieboy** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:42 pm

I guess I should either know this or read about it - but as you mentioned it - I see two relays on the mudguards looking towards the front of the car - one is on the left directly opposite the battery and the other on the right angled towards the exhausts - any ideas which is which and what they are for ? Assumed they were lights

ralphr1780 · Post by **ralphr1780** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 2:46 pm

Steve,
My bet is on the relay on the mudguard: 3AW.
Replace it with a modern Bosch or equivalent and you are back on the road.

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:35 pm

The 3AW is a warning light module and not the alternator relay. As I said before , the alt relay is a 6RA type .The other 6 RA on the left hand rails is usually for the horns . The horn one can be identified by checking for 12 volts to it when the horn switch is pressed .

ralphr1780 · Post by **ralphr1780** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:02 pm

Sorry, I meant 6RA (and not 3AW) and it is on the mudguard.

Beastieboy · Post by **Beastieboy** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 12:10 pm

well the good news in the alternator repair centre have just called and confirmed the diodes and windings are OK - but one brush was almost completely worn and the other was worn and arking to the case, and he is still deciding on the bearing but will probably replace - total repairs ?20 for parts and ?35 for labour + vat - cant complain at that !
Seems parts are available for the 11AC - just.

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