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Alternator mystery

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MadRiver

MadRiver

Jedi Knight
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Howdy gang. As I posted before, Greenie's alternator started smoking late last week. Thankfully, I found a rebuilt exact replacement. I installed it this evening, fired up the car, and the silly ignition light remained on. Clearly, the rebuilt alternator isn't charging the battery. Does anyone have any wisdom? Thanks as always!

B.
 
Have you checked the output with a reliable voltmeter to verify exactly what is coming out of it? Just curious, but is the battery fully charged? Alternators will not bring a battery back from dead like the old generators would. Have the battery fully charged, via a charger then check the alternator output.

Another question and don't be insulted, but is the belt still tight? I've seen a bolt get left loose and all should have been well, but it wasn't.
 
Test the alternator with a multimeter to check the output. If you don't have a multimeter, go to a battery store or a generator/alternator shop to have it tested.
If it is not working properly, my guess would be the voltage regulator. They screw into the unit itself and are very easy to change. I had a new one die at a very young age last year. If you got one that has sat on the shelf for an extended period of time, it could be bad.
 
If you are having trouble getting the belt tensioned correctly try a strap wrench. A couple of weeks ago I had to loosen then tighten the belts for both my alternator and air pump (1975 TR6). There was no way to ger any leverage in the usual way. I bought the Lowe's strap wrench 2 pack. I was able to properly tension the belts with no problems.
 
Harbor Freight also has strap wrenches very cheap -- go for all kinds of things... oil filters, pickle jars, etc. But I would suspect that 'new' alternator.
 
Make sure there is a good connection between the body and the starter solenoid. This was one of the first and last things that left me at the side of the road!

Adam H.
___________________________________________________________
1972 Triumph Spitfire
 
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