my mpi usually runs fine but 2 days ago i noticed the battery ignition light stayed onn for a few miles after starting up (usually goes off straight away). then all was well. on the way home the same happened but i didnt have time to check tings. next day same happened and on the way back the dash lights and stereo lights were getting dim. then the engine lost power so i pulled over and it cut out. got a jump and ambled home just as the lights dimmed and it cut out again. all the battery connections seem fine and im just in the process of removing the alternator-anyone got any ideas?
How olds your car, or more importantly when was your battery last replaced?
cars a 98 mpi, just passed mot and had new battery last summer
Hmmm, sounds like the alternator might be duff then.
I just brought a new one that give out 70amps for less then £50 so far so good
Loose fanbelt?
> I just brought a new one that give out 70amps for less then £50 so far so good
Why have, you, fitted a 70 amp alternator. I fitted one and a 75 amp/hour battery for the 660watt +, lighting I got on the front. If the car does not consume 70 amps in the most likely situations then it is not worth fitting.
Oh and the alternator is duff, thats why your lights dimmed and the battery went flat. When the battery light is on with the engine running, you are running on borrowed time to get the car somewhere to get it fixed, it will all depend on the capacity of the battery. Also, in a situation like that having the radio on only reduced the time your engine would run on the battery. A belt loose enough to stop the alternator working at 2000rpm would also cause the engine to overheat, not only that but you would hear it screeching or see that is was so dam loose things wern’t turning.
I would suspect the brushes in the alternator are goosed and the easy option is to get a recon item. 55 amp, unless you got lighting as bright as the sun then the 65 or 70. All are about the same price. New items are silly for the price.
i’ve got a 70amp alternator and i love it! i don’t really have to worry about electrical problems anymore (touch wood).
i got one of the bigger alts because i have quite a few aftermarket electricals on (inc two amps and four spots)
i thought later mpi models had these big alternators any way?
lucas will check alternators for a few quid
checked the output from the alternator and it was less than 1. pulled it out and the bushes looked fine. replaced it anyway and alls sorted
