i think my alternator is *****ed up because i cant start my car but when i jump start it the battery is at about 10-12 volts then when i put the head lighs on it goes down to below 8 volts!
how can i fix this??? :S

Dan,

1. could also be your battery
(cant ignition start it but can jump start it)

2. alternator Lucas rebuilt/tested
from Seven Hills MiniSuzi
$135

3. you can take your alternator to autoleccy places
and they should be able to give you a quote on a recondition

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Assuming you have an old battery.....

Dirty connections will give you the same problem.

Take your battery out, spray it with baking soda diltued in warm water, let it soak for 5 or 10 mins, then rinse it off thoroughly with clean water.

Then scrub the terminal posts with a wire brush and clean the inside of the battery post clamps too. Leave NO gunk on em.

Check the acid levels under all the caps. The plates should not be exposed. If low, top up with distilled water until it is JUST above the plates.

Now refit you battery, and make sure you tighten the clamps up.... TIGHT (if you can spin em, theyre too loose.)

THEN spend money on replacing bits if this doesnt help.

_________________
[NATHAN] -- Sold everything mini related and am back in big beautiful BMWs

make sure your alt belt is tight enough (press down the belt and spin the alternator pulley and if its tight enough no matter how ahrd you press down on the belt you cant make it slip on any of the pulleys.

A good sparky (like Tibby Rose on Gardener's rd in Mascot) will only charge you $20-30 to diagnose the problem - then you can fix it yourself.

Could be the $4000 stereo equipment...

Stereo gear????? Always running it loud???

My Mazda is always chewing through batteries because the stereo draws too much power.... the battery acid is constantly evaporating, which reduces the battery's charging ability.

Good point about the fan felt, I forgot about that one.

My guess is that the battery itself may be fu**ed too.

_________________
[NATHAN] -- Sold everything mini related and am back in big beautiful BMWs