Charging woes.

[Anonymous]

had a bit tinker with kickdown linkage (another story ) yesterday so I thought I`d go out for a run and try out the mods - flat battery

Not had any problems to date

Put another battery on and charge at battery just over 12 volts at tickover, which is low.
Where or how do I check alternator output?
Anything else I should be checking? I`ve checked fanbelt seemed OK but tightened it anyways.

[Jeff]

Famous Voltage regulator failure?

[Dave-R]

With the engine running and a good fully charged battery you should have at least 13.5 volts (14.5 prefered) across the battery terminals.

If it is low try reving the engine and tell us what difference (if any) that makes.

To check the wiring between alternator and battery +ve is OK check with the meter between the output stud on the back of the alt and a good earth.

I am sure I wrote out a set of tests on this board at some time in the past?

[Dave-R]

This link might help.

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/ ... /index.htm

Or this one

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

Check the connections on the bulkhead connector as the alt output goes into the dash before going to the battery. The connectors often burn out.

If running a wire directly from the alt output to the battery does not produce good voltage then either the alternator is faulty or the regulator is shorted internally (the technical term is buggered).

[Anonymous]

If you need a voltage reg i've got electronic ones in stock here ?21.75 to your door

[Dave-R]

Neil. If you by-pass the regulator to see if the alternator is OK be very quick and very carefull. You don't want to fry all your gauges!!

[Jeff]

post a pic of what your VR looks like.. I have a couple at work. If its the same its yours.

[Dave-R]

From 69 or 70 they were solid state units. Mechanical before then.