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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 12:58 am 
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848cc
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Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:35 pm
Posts: 16
Hi silly question,

But red lightbelow my fuel gauge (left bottom) stays on after the car is running...sometimes its bright and mostly its dim, and sometimes its not on at all???.?

Any clues as to what it could be??.?

Thanks for all your help.....
Mezz


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 1:23 am 
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998cc
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Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:26 pm
Posts: 550
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Hi Mezz. I'm thinking it may be the alternator charge light if it's on a clubman.. It might pay to do some electrical checks to find out what's wrong. Might be your alternator isn't charging properly, or you are running too many accessories through the electrical system and they are drawing too much current.


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 7:11 am 
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848cc
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Joined: Sun Feb 20, 2011 8:01 pm
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Location: With all the lost socks
Have you got L.E.D dash lights ?

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WD40'll fix it!
If it don't, use a big hammer!


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 8:30 am 
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848cc
848cc

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Hi thanks for your suggestions.....

Its a clubman but am running nothing but an electric fuel pump and headlights, and i dont have led light at all.

Also, how would i know if my alternator is dying?

Many thanks for your help.
Regards,
Mezz


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 10:05 am 
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Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:19 pm
Posts: 39764
Location: near Baulkham Hills, NSW
To see how it's charging put a voltmeter across the battery with the motor running. A good alternator will put out 14.3V approx.

If the charge light is on only sometimes it is generally a sign that the brushes have had it. On most original Lucas alternators they are mounted in a plastic brush holder on the end housing. These can be changed without dismantling other than the plastic cover removal. Just watch where the wires connect before you pull it out.
If it is the early 70s alternator with NO plastic cover, you are out of luck- these have to be pulled apart to swap brushes. Bugger...

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R. :mrgreen:


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 2:36 pm 
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848cc
848cc

Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:35 pm
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drmini in aust wrote:
To see how it's charging put a voltmeter across the battery with the motor running. A good alternator will put out 14.3V approx.

If the charge light is on only sometimes it is generally a sign that the brushes have had it. On most original Lucas alternators they are mounted in a plastic brush holder on the end housing. These can be changed without dismantling other than the plastic cover removal. Just watch where the wires connect before you pull it out.
If it is the early 70s alternator with NO plastic cover, you are out of luck- these have to be pulled apart to swap brushes. Bugger...


Hi Dr,

Much appreciated...will have a go on the weekend and see what the problem is.

Also, from memory mine does not have the plastic, but i shall check..

Any idea where ill be able to buy the bushes., or alternatively a brand new alternator..

Regards,

Mezz


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 2:56 pm 
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Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:19 pm
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Location: near Baulkham Hills, NSW
They are carbon `brushes', not `bushes'. :lol:
PM `convertible mini' on here he can sell you brushes, reco it for you, or else sell you a new alternator.
You can also buy a new alternator from the usual suspects- Karcraft, Minisport, Minis Plus, or buy one in from UK.
Your local auto electrician should have brushes in stock, mine does.

But do a voltage test first. :wink:

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R. :mrgreen:


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 3:19 pm 
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848cc
848cc

Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:35 pm
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Hi Dr,

Thanks for this. will check tomorrow, and i did forget the R....hahaha :oops:

Will let you know how i come along.....

Thanks for your help

Regards,
Mez


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