12 replies to this topic

[Westside0122]

Need some help please, I’ve just fitted a new alternator, belts nice and tight and was running fine b4, went to start and it sounded rough and wouldn’t run. Needless to say I’ve left it. Any info please, I’m a new be.
Regards

[blacktulip]

Is the engine running rough or the new alternator? Need more info on what it's doing

[Westside0122]

Hi sorry, it’s the engine. It’s a 1993 1.3 Mini Cooper. I have literally taken the broken alternator off, but new one on and the engine is running rough and won’t start properly.

[MatthewsDad]

I can't see these issues arising from a straightforward new for old alternator swap. Why did you replace the original alternator? Is there any chance that you've knocked off an electrical connection when you removed the front grille to get to the alternator? Is the belt fully fitted on all the pulleys? What happens when it refuses to run? Probably need a bit more info to help with pin-pointing the problem. We'll sort it.

[Westside0122]

Thank you for your replies, the old alternator wasn’t charging the battery, so I thought, right straight swap easy job. Took the old one out, put new one in, put new belt on, pulled belt tight connected all back up. But battery back on, then started, it sounded like an old dog.
I had a look around the engine bay where I took the grill off, but I can’t seem to see any wires not connected, I’ve checked all leads etc and nothing.
I’m going to go back out tomorrow and see if there’s anything else. Like u said it’s probably something simple. Well I hope it is ?

[MatthewsDad]

Worth refitting the original alternator and see whether the problems continue.
Any vacuum hoses disconnected or split?
When you say it won't run do you mean it won't start, or starts and then stops, or starts ok but just runs rough?

[Westside0122]

I put the old alternator back on and it’s still doing the same thing. It wants to start but it’s lumpy almost like a miss fire. Didn’t want to keep trying it just incase I damaged something else.

[Westside0122]

Also all hoses seem to be intact

[mkw]

I had a similar thing on mine recently, thought it was the alternator plug wiring but turned out the battery cable had worked loose on the starter motor, the brass nut had started to undo.

 

Was running on and off according to if the connection was being made or not.

[Westside0122]

Thank you MKW will have a look at that aswell.

[panky]

Check you haven't knocked the lead on No1 plug and damaged or displaced it.

[Westside0122]

No they all seem to be ok. I have a video of what it sounds like but can’t post it on here.

[Westside0122]

All sorted people. Thanks for your time, pulled all plugs and cleaned, put back on and started first time. Happy with that.
Thanks again.