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New Member Introduction, and Sprite Charging Issue

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H

HawaiiCollector

Freshman Member
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Aloha, everyone. It must be painfully evident that this is my first posting as a new member. I am not even too sure what my member name is! Anyway, I live in Hawaii and have a number of British collector cars. I just got a 1959 Frog Eye Sprite with an updated 1275 cc engine, negative ground. The good people who shipped it to me left the ignition switch on for the five day sailing from California to Hawaii. Even with a fresh battery, my charging system is now not working. This car has a generator. Can anyone give me a clue as to how to trouble shoot this problem? It has been suggested that leaving the ignition switch on for this long my have damaged the voltage regulator, but I am open for all guidance and suggestions on how to test for the problem(s). The shipping company is going to fix the car, but I would like to get the problem correctly diagnosed for them the during the first claim process. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your input. Robert (smith1127@aol.com)
 
It's generally the voltage regulator....

Replace it & save yourself some head scratching or.

Diagnose it with this info.
https://chicagolandmgclub.com/techtips/general/585.html

(also could be the brushes on your dynamo are sticking/worn out)

BTW.....Welcome & have you ever done the road to Hanna in a LBC? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Welcome- hawaii is a beautiful spot for an LBC.
 
Welcome, Robert.
I would bet it's the regulator as well. But, if the contact was stuck closed for the trip to the islands, you may want to check the generator and all associated wiring. If the generator was receiving 12V it would have tried to act as a motor until the battery was exhausted. With the belt attached, it would have been stalled, and could have internal damage.
Jeff
 
Welcome:

Remember if you change the VR, you will also need to convert it to Neg Grd.

Patrick
 
Hey, welcome...I spent 5 weeks in honolulu this summer - even went to your British Car Show there....did I by chance meet you?
 
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