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Alternator and electrical problems
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=526		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Mike [ Fri May 07, 2004 3:04 am ]
Post subject:  Alternator and electrical problems
I'm not good with electrics at all (not that I'm good with anything else) anyone tell me why on my MK2 fitted with an alternator (Lucas) and halogen headlight conversion and no other extra power devices apart from set of 2 100W driving lights.
WITH THE EXTRA DRIVING LIGHTS ON when you start reving it past 3500 in 2 or 3rd there is a loss of power the engine starts chocking and shaking, the moment you turn the lights off (only the extra driving lights not the headlights) its all back to normal again, lights on and she's chocking again. It seems reasonable that as the crank turns faster the dizzy needs more power, but should the effect of a single set of driving lights be so significant and immediate?

Now its clear that the alternator isnt coping, as you can see a dimming in the headlights, panel lights and courtesy light when the driving lights are on and the indicators where left usualy is faster than the right slow down significantly and work at the same speed. So shouldn't the alternator give me a bit more beyound one set of driving lights? And what's the best alt to fit in a mini to give the extra output?

Cheers
Author:  bobtel [ Fri May 07, 2004 8:03 am ]
Post subject: 
The Lucas alternator should have no problems with running all the electrical system and the driving lights. It is probably on the way out. That or the regulator. The only way to solve this is to have your charge rate checked by an auto sparky. It only takes about 5 mins and they usually do it for nothing.

That way you will know where the problem lies. I had a lucas on my last mini running two sets of lights, no problem. My current mini also runs a lucas with no drama.

Bob
Author:  excops [ Fri May 07, 2004 6:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
It Might possibly be a bad earth too - if that's the case the charge voltage may show normal, but the sytem cannot carry the required current.
Check all the connector to see that they are clean i.e on the alt. and undo/clean the earth strap, battery terminal etc
Author:  drmini in aust [ Fri May 07, 2004 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
I had a Lucas 15AC alternator on my 1970 MiniMatic originally, same as the MK2 S had. Lights were always pretty dim. A check at the battery showed it only putting out 13.2 V max, even with a new 4TR regulator- and the alternator had had brushes, slip rings, and bearings.
By the way, new 4TR Lucas regulators were still being sold a little while back- Lucas p/no is NCB148.
Finally I gave the whole lot away in disgust.. :cry:
I find the later ones (15ACR, 16ACR) Clubbie ones with built in regulator are much better output, easier to find and more reliable. 8)
Author:  Mike [ Sat May 08, 2004 2:58 am ]
Post subject: 
Where's a good place to find one? As I said I know crap all about alternators.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sat May 08, 2004 7:08 am ]
Post subject: 
I bought a new one from Mini Car Clinic for $190 last year.

You can also try an auto electrician- many have recond ones.

Or pull one off a wreck, get it recond if it needs it. :wink:
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