Hi,

I have a pretty stock mini (998 clubbie) with no major mechanical mods.
I have a small problem with the electrical system whilst I am driving. I believe the alternator is providing too much voltage to the battery IVO 16+ V. The problem is intermittant but enough for me to be a little concerned about. The overvoltage occurs about once in every 7-9 drives (short duration drives, about 10-15 min). I have checked the output of the alternator and it seems to be fine '14 ish' volts. I cannot replicate the problem in the garage.
I am wondering if there is a rectifier or voltage limiter that may need replacing? if so, is there a guide on how to do it with the parts required. The alternator has been on the car for about 2 yrs and was a brand spanker.

I have recently put a master kill switch on the negative side of the battery and am not sure if this could be a potential cause of the problem I am now faced with.

Another note: I go away for a few weeks with work tomorrow and don't know if I have Internet whilst I am away; so I apologise in advance if I do not reply to some of the questions that may be asked.
Thanks in advance for the advice

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Cheers,

Fade77
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

The only component in the entire car which can cause an overvoltage is the regulator inside the alternator. The regulator measures the voltage level of the battery and will raise or lower the alternator's output proportional to this voltage level.
If it is the regualtor, it can be replaced as a unit without replacing the entire alternator.

What clued you in to the overvoltage in any case? Have you got a voltmeter fitted?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Yes, I do have a Voltmeter fitted. Also, the stereo I have cuts out when the voltage is too high - because of the sudden "oh no, whats gone wrong now" silence, I checked the gauges and noticed every time the stereo stopped, the voltage would be really high.

Thanks for the info