Sep 2nd, Jeffrey Taberski wrote:
>The alternator on my '77 B seems to have a problem
>it charges, but the ignition light flickers at idle to 1500 RPM.
It seems to me that probably the carbon brushes are worn out.
(Yes, contrary to popular belief, alternators *do* have carbon brushes!)
Had the same problem twice, once with my MGB in Luxemburg.
Fortunately, the batteries were fully charged, so I managed to get home
even with a faulty alternator, 300 miles or so. Had to pushstart the car,
however, after filling up...
Another time, when I worked in Sweden in 1979 as a trainee. My British car
(not MGB) probably was the only car of the type in that country, so I
had the parts shipped.
When I recall correctly, you don't even have to remove the alt. from the engine.
Just remove the black cover with the cooling slots from the rear.
There is a nylon brush holder at the end of the shaft.
Check the length of these brushes. They are cheap and easily replaced.
I suggest you try this first.
I don't think it is one of the diodes. Had a problem with them also once,
on yet another car. The symptoms I then had were different. The charge light
just stayed on, albeit dimly, at higher RPMs. I left this so for a very
long time.
Hope this is of any use to you.
Bert Palte
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