Outer Limits 4x4 Board

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Hi all, once again i'm after your advice and knowledge.

Out 4x4ing today on the powerlines i went through the crossing after flynn road and noticed some strange things a short while afterwoods.

I have an electrical problem somewere. My alternator isn't putting out a charge but the light on the dash isn't lighting, even with engine off.

With the flicker or brake light on the tacko goes mantel and the engine nearly stalled. I limped the car home using the second battery in short waves but need this fixed asap. Is it likely to be the Alternator which has failed this fast.

I was thinking perhaps a bad earth or something but have been told that water makes alternators go silly.

Thanks for any advice in advance, Ben Rose

Check what the voltage at your battery is while the engine is running. It should be about 13.8V or so at idle, going up to about 14.2 at 2,500Rpm or so. If its lower than 12.2V, check what the voltage registers at the alternator, by putting the negative wire of the multimetre on the negative batter terminal, and the positive multimetre wire on the output terminal on the alternator. If this registers higher than the voltage at the battery, there is a wiring isue, if it is low, or not registereing, then your alternator is having issues. If all this checks out okay, then look at the connections that would of come in contact with water, clean these out. From the sounds of it your alternator is not charging.

Layto....

yep sounds like alternators dead. water not sure of but mud does it.

i was deep water testing over weekend with the vit motor and no probs

oh bugger, I'll sort one out tomorrow. Was it a Ford EL one i should be putting in as an upgrade form the stock suzi one then?

sounds like alternator for sure..

if its not though, check your earth wire to your engine. they are piss weak as standard but when they become corroded it can wreak havvock on your electricals..

rosie wrote:oh bugger, I'll sort one out tomorrow. Was it a Ford EL one i should be putting in as an upgrade form the stock suzi one then?

EF EL conversion is too easy.

I've been doing some research though and people seem to be breaking belts with them. My vit had a grooved belt so is it likely to break them?

Ben

Just make sure you tension the belts properly and they shouldn't break. I've had mine on for a while now and have done heaps of wheeling and driving around and no issues so far. Main thing to remember is that a v belt pulley on most EL alternators if they have one are made for around 12mm belts and the sierra ones are skinnier so apparently a 12mm will fit over the stock fan and drive belt pulleys and will sit nicely on the alternator pulley.

If you use orginal belt on 12mm pulley take it for a drive down the road and the belt will seat itself deeper in the pulley therefore reducing the tension...so once its seated retension it again so that it doesn't snap...and always carry a spare!