alternator failure or is it

[steve smith]

guys two weeks ago i noticed that when driving my diesel monty the battery light on the dash seems to have a slight glow to it i checked the belt and it is as thight as it should be the alternator that is fitted is from a sherpa diesel van which have the same lump as a monty diesel there may be slight different bits on it but the alternator is the same i was told so i got it and fitted it it al seems ok until a two weeks ago now the light seems to glow when u apply power and drive away any ideas guys?????????

[MGTurbo]

Originally posted by steve smith
guys two weeks ago i noticed that when driving my diesel monty the battery light on the dash seems to have a slight glow to it i checked the belt and it is as thight as it should be the alternator that is fitted is from a sherpa diesel van which have the same lump as a monty diesel there may be slight different bits on it but the alternator is the same i was told so i got it and fitted it it al seems ok until a two weeks ago now the light seems to glow when u apply power and drive away any ideas guys?????????

Sounds like one of the diode packs in the alternator going, make sure the belt is tensioned first, also check the voltage and make sure it delivers at least 13.5 volts with the electrics on and 14 volts at idle with no load.

Gareth

[steve smith]

do the diode packs from a 2.0 petrol one fit if so i may have some laying about. or get a alternator from the brakers again

[e692wtt]

Not sure about the diode pack, but try dis- and re-connecting the electrical connection at the rear (just pulls out but may be held on with a bit of wire which pushes over to one side) - the problem *may* be corrosion here, on the feed to the Ignition Warning Lamp, which reduces the available voltage at one side of the Bulb and causes it to glow a little (brightness may or may not according to engine speed). Of course, corrosion on this connection may also affect the feed to the battery so as to reduce the available voltage and cause the Ignition Warning Lamp to glow as well...

It's worth a try, it may not work but if it does then it's a free repair. I make this dis- and re-connecting lark part of the regular checks under my Monty's bonnet.:)

[E_T_V]

Yes diode packs from any alternator in the austin range should work. My Rover 214, 2.0 TD, 2.0D, and even the 1.3 all share the same basic alternator. New ones can be obtained from an auto electrical place for under a tenner. See my thread on weird electrical gremlins.