Vehicle: 1966 MGB, converted to negative earth with Bosch alternator.
Recent history: Several days ago, I noticed the alternator warning light
stayed on for maybe a minute after startup, then went off. Later that day,
headlights seemed to be dimmer than normal.
Situation: Driving at night, in the rain, on the freeway...
Symptoms, in order of occurrence:
Overdrive failed to engage when switched on
Headlights grew progressively dimmer
Wiper speed regressed from "lazy" to "glacial"
(at this point I pulled off the freeway and continued on surface streets)
Within about 1 mile instrument lights were indistinguishable, and I switched
off the wipers entirely, but I thought I could still reach my destination,
avoiding a soggy hike. Then the motor started sputtering on acceleration,
and I got caught at a long traffic light. But it continued to idle OK.
Anyway, I made it the last few blocks and pulled into my in-laws' carport
with no lights and almost no visibility (fortunately it is on a quiet
cul-de-sac).
I am wondering if there are any parts that can be replaced (diode, brushes)
short of replacing the entire alternator? And does anyone know the
application for this alternator, to tell the counterperson? I don't have it
available right now to look at part numbers, but it is one that is commonly
used in this conversion.
TIA
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
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