Re: [doc] Alternator woes

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

Paul has the Ducellier alt common to early cars (though not his). They 
are notorious for going bad - mine is too - it sends the rev counter 
crazy when under high load and puts out less than 10v at idle with the 
AC and headlights on, though IMO this is a regulator problem. The 
adjustment bracket works differently from the Motorola and one of the 
changes was the available adjustment. We keep both belts on the shelf.

Martin
DMUK

Nick Tomlinson wrote:

> Hi Paul,
>
> Alternator belt I replaced was 11mm wide 1263mm long.
> Air Con belt 13mm wide 1330mm long.
>
> Double check length of new belts.
> My original belt had a Renault Belt with a number 11X1242.
> I presumed it was a 1242mm long belt, it would fit OK but turning over by hand the cooling blades on te alternator touched the adjusting bracket!
>
> BTW, a smaller pulley on the alternator would make it spin faster at idle speed to give more current but have no idea where you could get one. If I get a chance I'll ask a mate with a lathe to turn one for me.
>
> Nick.
>
> Paul Salsbury <paul.salsbury@xxxx> wrote:
> Before I spend out on a new alternator after my recent starting issues I thought I would have a play today, Nothing to lose.
>
> 1. Cleaned and checked all grounds around the car
> 2. Paid particular attention to the alternator ground
> 3. Cleaned all contacts to the alternator
> 4. Added an additional earth strap from the battery to the starter ( recommended for better starting)
> 5. Adjusted alternator belt.
>
> Results and findings
>
> The alternator belt must need replacing, bracket is now at full adjustment
> Starts hell of a lot better and on less of a crank
> Now idles with the volts reading well over the 13 mark, Drops below 13 when I turn everything electric I possibly can on.
> Also it seems to idle much smoother when warm ??? possible coincidence??