mudmuncher Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Hi all I have a sereis 3 with a disco 200tdi lump in it i fitted it around 6 months ago. I also fitted a new alternator 6 months ago as well. Every thing has been fine i use it about twice a week and the alternator has been putting out around 14 volts when the engine is running (i have a volt guage fitted and also tested it with a multi meter. For some reason now the alternator is putting out 16 volts now again accoring to the guage and the mutli meter. Is this a problem ?? What will it damage if anything ?? Any ideas how i cam fix it ?? Many thanks everyone Happy new year to you all !!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Excessive output from the alternator can boil the battery, which is a bad thing (risk of explosion, battery bursting and chucking sulphuric acid all over your shiny bits). Test the alternator with a different voltmeter to make sure that it's not just your guage playing up. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 16 v is on the wrong side of OK, not by much but not a lot of good for fussy electrics. As the alternator is less than 12 months old it might be covered by warrenty - in which case just exchange it for a new one. Failing that you will need to replace the electronics in it, use the Google and the part number, I think it is a diode pack you are looking for. Try a good motor factor that specialises in Electrics - Lucas/bosch agents. They may rebuild it for you. BTW if it is the original lucas alternator then they are about 45 quid outright (indian copy - 2 out of 3 work well). G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick w Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 dont think an over voltage that small should cause much problems its the amprage you need to worry about that causes heat ect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 dont think an over voltage that small should cause much problems its the amprage you need to worry about that causes heat ect 16v is likely to blow headlight and other bulbs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason2 Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Batteries are fantastic for regulating currents, hence the reason why you should never disconnect the battery leads whilst the engine is running as your thus unregulated alternator power output can blow very expensive bits on RRS and the likes of.On a series you probably only risk a light bulb or 2. For info I'm currently experimenting with a waterwheel to make electricity, at full whack the generator can produce 140volts/6amps DC, when I connect up to a 12v car battery I get 14v across the terminals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudmuncher Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 Hi all I removed the alternator and had it bench tested the regulator was at fault and bushes had been worn very low due to mud/ grit etc I bought a recon one for £50 as by the time they had stripped and rebuilt my one the cost would be the same. The guy that tested it said he was almost certain it failed so early, due the off road mud/grit/water has anyone got any ideas on how to waterproof or somehow protect the alternator when off roading Many thanks chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason2 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Good question???? I've had the 2 alternators go in the last 6 months on the 110 and worse still on the Disco where I had to drive 400 miles with no electrics, both were full of mud when I took them off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Although you have found the cause, the first thing I would have done with an over-voltage problem would be to Although you can buy 'waterproof' alternators, they are expensive and fitting would be a hassle. You can't waterproof a standard alternator since it needs the airflow for cooling. I think that the best advice I have heard for apres mud cleaning is to hose clean water through them for a minute or so with the engine running, and then lubricate the brush area with a little WD40 (don't get it on the belt and don't use too much) HTH Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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