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ignition light
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7498		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  mini_me [ Tue May 24, 2005 6:18 am ]
Post subject:  ignition light
My 66 deluxe which has a genny fitted
to it with neg earth has the ign light coming
on when you rev the engine.I can see the brushes
thru the side of the generator and they look fine.
Any ideas what can be wrong.
Battery seems to be charging.
Thanks Felix.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Tue May 24, 2005 7:12 am ]
Post subject: 
Minis with generators were all + earth. If you have just changed to - earth, the generator must be re-polarised. (no, you don't need Peter Brock's `polariser', lol).

Several ways to do it- I did some years ago-
WITH MOTOR STOPPED:
1. remove cover from voltage regulator.
2. find the cutout (can't remember which it is, but it's the one that has the points open when stopped).
3. take a screwdriver and push it down to close the points. They will probably stick together. After a couple of secs, flick it open again.

That's all there is to it! 8)
Author:  mini_me [ Tue May 24, 2005 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  ignition light
Hi Kevin,
The gen was swapped to neg earth 3 years ago
and this problem has only just started.
Regards Felix
Author:  miniron [ Tue May 24, 2005 9:50 am ]
Post subject: 
:?
You say the light comes ON when you rev the engine. The light indicates the difference between battery voltage and generator voltage. It is normally on when the engine is idling and goes off when engine speed increases. Generator output voltage is dependant on engine speed and is not enough to charge the battery at idle. Its not like an alternator where output voltage is high enough to charge the battery at idle. Positive or negative earth makes no difference to this.
Some possibilities
Loose fan belt
Wiring fault in light circuit
Faulty connections in generator wiring/earth connections etc
Faulty regulator.
Faulty generator - it is almost 40 years old.
The designation C40 means it had a service life of approx 40K miles before needing some maintenance. It needs a few drops of oil in the hole in the brush end cover every now and then or the end bearing bush wears. Check brushes and/or commutator are not worn and brushes are free to move in the brush holders. The brush end of the generator is open to the elements and it doesn't take long for road muck etc to build up around the brushes.
Most likely possibilities are:
Loose fan belt. Only starts slipping at higher RPM.
Worn or sticking brushes which are OK at low speed but can't cut it at higher engine speeds.
Poor connections
If this doesn't fix it then check and clean regulator contacts. Manual required for settings and test procedure.
If this doesn't work then more serious surgery required along with a visit to the auto electrician.

This should give you a start
RonR
Author:  mikkis37 [ Tue May 24, 2005 8:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hve similar problem in cheezel but have been told by LINK that it's still charging and no problem. Just stays on very dull while driving but still charging and operating. Was told probably blown Capacitor somewhere. If is only dull while driving should be fine. Compare it to when is just on accessories car not running or rewire prob! :wink:
Author:  ryan [ Tue May 24, 2005 9:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
i too have a similar prob, well kinda similar

my light is on all the time, cept when the engine is idling low, kinda the opposite to what its meant to do, cos when it is charging well the light is bright. could this just be that the wirring is reversed?

help

thanx ryan
Author:  miniron [ Wed May 25, 2005 8:46 am ]
Post subject: 
:?

For those with alternators the light should be out all the time unless your idle speed is very low.
Light out at idle then on at higher speed dim or otherwise generally means an output or field diode is faulty. Could be either open circuit or short circuit. In most cases there will be excessive noise (high frequency whine) and sometimes high temp from the alternator.
Even thought diodes are faulty, alternator will produce some output and may still be charging when electrical load is low - daytime no lights, heater motor, wipers off etc, but with lights on etc battery will start to discharge to supply some of the load and eventually will go flat.

Hope this helps
RonR
Author:  mini_me [ Fri May 27, 2005 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  ignition light
a new battery fixed the problem.
thanks for the advise guys
Author:  miniron [ Sun May 29, 2005 3:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
:oops:

Seems like I forgot one of the more obvious reasons.
Glad you have the problem solved.

RonR
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