Hi Corey:
Check the fan belt. It's possible that when it's cold it slips but due to
friction it warms up and grabs enough to turn the alternator. You might
check the bearing resistance in the alternator as well, or look for some
sort of current drain associated with the choke or cable. Possibly a short
developing. I once nearly lost my Rover due to a short at the choke cable.
John
>Friends:
>
>I've got a little puzzler for you all. Here are the facts:
>
>When my MGB starts in cold weather, the red dash indicator (alternator)
>comes on, and stays on (nearly as I can tell) until the choke cuts out.
>It waxes and wanes in intensity, depending (absurdly enough) on how hard
>I'm punching the throttle ... more punch, less glow; less punch, more
>glow. (!!!) It's also worse at night, when I have the lights on, though
>it does happen during the day. This only happens when the temp is
>below about 35F, and, oddly enough, totally goes away when the car has
>warmed up. It doesn't otherwise seem to affect performance (though the
>car backfires like bloody hell when it's cold).
>
>Here's the car (for those of you not familiar with it):
>
>75 MGB, 79 motor. Headers, free-flow exhaust, Weber downdraught 32/36
>carb with electric choke. Slightly upgraded headlamps (sealed haologen)
>and no emissions controls left (except the carbon cannister). On the
>79 motor, I've got a 74 water pump and plastic fan, the original 75
>radiator. 72 25D distributor, vaccuum advance sealed off, fresh points
>and tuneup, correct N9YC plugs. Don't blame me for this Frankenstein
>setup ... except for the carb, this is how I got the car. :) Alternator
>is a rebuilt Lucas unit, installed last year. Battery is a fresh Series
>26 Interstate, new cables, in a battery box.
>
>Any thoughts?
>
>TIA
>
>Corey
>75 MGB 'Rags'
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