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Re: Alternator Light

To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Alternator Light
From: "John M. Trindle" <jtrindle@tsquare.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 1995 09:55:45 -0400 (EDT)
On Tue, 25 Jul 1995, Allan R. Hovis wrote:

> I am having a strange (i.e. lucas) problem with my 72 B. The last few weeks
> the alternator light has begun to flicker. I have recently replaced the
> battery and seem to have plenty of charge but it looks like a problem in
> the making. It seems to be worse when I rev the engine and goes out when I
> let off the gas. Anyone seen this before and know whats up?
> 

My alternator on my '73 went out progressively last year.... turned out 
to be a dead diode. Replaced the diode pack and it has been working ever 
since.  I was lucky at the time in that I had access to a pile of "bad" 
alternators (core returns).  Anyway, the problem was the opposite of 
yours in that my light would flicker at higher and higher RPMs as the 
problem got worse.

"Flicker" implies a loose connection.  Could be a cold solder joint, for 
instance.  I assume you have checked the plug / socket on the back of the 
alternator. Changing the engine RPMs change alternator RPMs, of course, 
and vibration...  

The battery will last a while if you are charging most of the time and not
running much at night. 

Let us know what happens (chucking the alternator is a simple and not TOO 
expensive option, BTW).

 John M. Trindle | jtrindle@tsquare.com | Tidewater Sports Car Club
'73 MGB DSP     | '69 Spitfire E Stock | '88 RX-7 C Stock
Home Page:  http://www.widomaker.com/~trindle
"Public school is like going to the world's greatest restaurant and
being fed the menu."


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