DavidThorn
Senior Member
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The car is a late (1967) BJ 8.
In the autumn I noticed the battery was going flat after about 4 days use. I checked the output from the dynamo as per the Haynes workshop manual,bridge the 2 terminals together etc and check the voltage. It seemed to be fine.
I noticed one dark night that the red ignition light was glowing all the time.This is not visible during daylight. The light comes on bright before the car is started but then glows faintly all the time.
During the early winter I removed the Lucas C42 dynamo and dismantled it. I fitted new brushes, the originals were about 2/3 worn. I generally cleaned it up and lightly sanded the contacts that the brushes touch. I then cleaned everyting with petrol and have just installed it back in he car.
Unfortunately no change!! The ignition comes on bright,but when the engine is running (and revving) it still glows,visible only in the dark.
So what next?
I suppose I could get it refurbished or buy an alternator.
However a couple of thoughts, could it be that the brushes need bedding in by use before they make good contact?
I have not driven the car only let it run for a few minuets in the garage. There is too much salt on the roads here to take it out now.
Also could the fault not be with the dynamo at all but perhaps the regulator?
I went to take the cover off but it seems to be fitted with anti tamper plastic plugs. Does this mean its not been opened since new.
Could the symptoms I describe be caused by a stuck regulator.
If so how do I get the plastic plugs out and what do I replace them with?
I await any suggestions !!!
David Thorn
In the autumn I noticed the battery was going flat after about 4 days use. I checked the output from the dynamo as per the Haynes workshop manual,bridge the 2 terminals together etc and check the voltage. It seemed to be fine.
I noticed one dark night that the red ignition light was glowing all the time.This is not visible during daylight. The light comes on bright before the car is started but then glows faintly all the time.
During the early winter I removed the Lucas C42 dynamo and dismantled it. I fitted new brushes, the originals were about 2/3 worn. I generally cleaned it up and lightly sanded the contacts that the brushes touch. I then cleaned everyting with petrol and have just installed it back in he car.
Unfortunately no change!! The ignition comes on bright,but when the engine is running (and revving) it still glows,visible only in the dark.
So what next?
I suppose I could get it refurbished or buy an alternator.
However a couple of thoughts, could it be that the brushes need bedding in by use before they make good contact?
I have not driven the car only let it run for a few minuets in the garage. There is too much salt on the roads here to take it out now.
Also could the fault not be with the dynamo at all but perhaps the regulator?
I went to take the cover off but it seems to be fitted with anti tamper plastic plugs. Does this mean its not been opened since new.
Could the symptoms I describe be caused by a stuck regulator.
If so how do I get the plastic plugs out and what do I replace them with?
I await any suggestions !!!
David Thorn