I agree that it is usually the diode pack. The diodes get so hot that they melt
the solder holding them to the base (you have to see one to understand what I
mean). I have also seen the lead melt but that is rarer. In most cases, the
diode is still fully functional. If you are adept electronically, it is possible
to re-solder the diode to the base but you need a good soldering iron like a
Weller gun. And it means you have to remove the diode pack from the alternator.
I have fixed mine this way after the light flickered and glowed, then eventually
came on solid after a period of a few weeks. I have also cannibalized an
alternator and it too had diode connections melted. That was the reason the
previous owner gave up on it.
Vic Whitmore
76 Spitfire
Thornhill, Ontario
Robert Gunther wrote:
>
> Hi John,
> Most likely it's not the brushes, but the diode pack. I'm not sure how to
> actually
> take it apart. Have you considered a GM conversion?? The rebuilt lucas
> alternators
> sometimes have problems. Try looking up:
> http://www.vtr.org/maintain/alternator/conversions.html
>
> Let me know what you think.
> Bob
> 75,76,80 Spits
> 80 Fiat Spider FI
> 88 Fiero
>
> John Hobson wrote:
>
> > I was thinking of taking a look inside the old one, what's the best way
> > to get the bolt off the end as it's on a spinning column. Is it ok to
> > jam a screw in the fan bit to stop it from turning? Will it be obvious
> > if the brushes are worn?
> >
> > cheers,
> > John
> >
> > --- "T. .R. Dafforn" <td214@cam.ac.uk> wrote: > Just out of interest, did
> > you have a look inside the old alternator?
> > > Its worth looking at the brushes, often they wear away leaving you with
> > > a
> > > malfunctioning alternator.
> > > Replacing them is easy (10mins) and they cost a couple of quid. Mgiht
> > > leave
> > > you with a spare alternator.
> > > cheers
> > > Tim
> > > John Hobson wrote:
> > >
> > > > You remember that battery warning light that was flickering last
> > > week?
> > > > Well it wasn't just being a bit odd, it was trying to tell me that my
> > > > alternator was on it's way out! Coming back from work on Friday,
> > > first
> > > > radio cuts out, then dash lights dim, and then car seriously loses
> > > power
> > > > and then nothing, about 2 miles from home.
> > > >
> > > > Anyhow I managed to pick up an alternator from Spitfire Graveyard for
> > > #10
> > > > and fitted it yesterday. Seems to work ok, got me to work this
> > > morning
> > > > (although to be on the safe side, no music, heating or lights). At
> > > work
> > > > I checked the battery level with a hydrometer, which showed that the
> > > > levels are about the same as they were at the beginning of the
> > > journey
> > > > (about 1/2 an hour journey time). The hydrometer does seem to show
> > > > different levels though depending on how much of the acid is sucked
> > > into
> > > > it. Anyway should I have expected a significant charge increase over
> > > > this journey? Is there any other way that I can check the charge?
> > > Am I
> > > > using the hydrometer correctly (it's a halfords own-brand one). The
> > > red
> > > > dash light doesn't glow any more, which is a good sign, although
> > > going on
> > > > recent experiences I don't trust just that.
> > > >
> > > > cheers
> > > > John & Saskia
> > > >
> > > > ____________________________________________________________
> > >
> > > --
> > > Tim Dafforn
> > > Structural Medicine
> > > Department of Haematology
> > > CIMR
> > > University of Cambridge
> > > Wellcome-MRC Building (Level6)
> > > Hills Road
> > > Cambridge
> > > CB2 2XY
> > >
> > > Tel. (01223) 336829
> > > Fax. (01223) 336827
> > > http://smokeroom.cimr.cam.ac.uk/
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > ____________________________________________________________
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