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Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 5:44 pm
by Sam
This isn’t on a Porsche.

It’s on the stupid sort of car that looks like it’ll need the whole engine, gearbox and subframe dropping to remove the alternator.

Battery is new, reads ~12.x with the engine off.

At idle reads ~14.x.

When revved reads ~12-13.x

When lights are on drops to ~12.x at idle.

It’s clearly charging a bit, but after a 2 hour drive the charge light started flickering on and off and 15 mins later it died.

Re: Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:25 pm
by SeanP
Sounds like the regulator is failing to me.

Re: Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 10:30 pm
by misteralz
What Sean says. I'd chance a new regulator pack first. For the sake of 25 quid or so and less disassembly it's worth a shot.

Re: Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 8:44 am
by Lightweight_911
.

If it's the car I think it is (Testarossa), the VR is integral with the alternator &, as Sam says is not particularly simple to remove - mid engine layout - (although I'm fairly sure it doesn't involve engine removal).

An obvious question but have you checked the belt tension (bearing in mind the awkward adjustment access) ?

.

Re: Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 9:00 am
by Sam
Thanks guys.

Yes, the regulator is part of the alternator but looking again I reckon I can remove a grill and panel and get it out without dropping everything. Hopefully.

I did check the belt!

Re: Is my alternator failing?

Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 12:56 pm
by MikeB
Check that your main battery lead to the starter motor is tight, I had a similar issue and that’s what it was. The starter was working fine so I didn’t think that was the issue