8 replies to this topic

[MiniMonty]

Hi all,

the Mini has been eating batteries for a few months and I've got away with two freebie replacements
from Halfrods on the basis of the "three year guarantee" they have printed on the side but it's time
to recognise (I think) that I need a new alternator.

So, had a look in the classifieds and on eBay and there are many to choose from;
45, 60 and 70 amp jobs are all available so which is best for my lovely old rat box Mayfair ?
It's a plain vanilla 998 with single carb who (recently) has increasing trouble starting after three or four weeks
of a new battery (which then dies completely and won't take a charge from the car or from a mains charger).

All and any urgent advice on this very much appreciated as the car HAS to see me through the winter to and from
school with the kids every day (not tomorrow though as it's DEAD and we'll be on the bus, walk, bus, walk routine)
and with a three year old and a five year old this is NO fun at all twice a day !

I've not got fortunes to spend but I'm happy to invest a reasonable amount if it's going to last a few years.

What do you all recommend ?

Best wishes
Monty

Edited by MiniMonty, 04 December 2009 - 01:21 AM.

[danrock101]

i'd personally get the 70 amp one for the sake of £10 extra or somthing

[MiniMonty]

i'd personally get the 70 amp one for the sake of £10 extra or somthing

Do you mean this one from Minispares ? LINK
Will that be happy in my '89 Mayfair ?

Best wishes
Monty

[Hannioli]

Hi Monty,

I had this issue when I first got my mini, thought it was the battery but then the brand new one got buggered, so I got a new alternator (one from minispares that you posted a link up for) and also got a pug 306 diesel battery and I've not had any issues since (past 2 years)!

[edit] forgot to say that mine's a 1275 though.

Edited by Hannioli, 04 December 2009 - 03:49 PM.

[Big Guns]

Just checked mine and it's a 45Amp. Does the job fine! But a 60 would be better in winter when you've got a heavy load on it!

[johntomjo]

Hi
If you havnt got too many electrical gizmos the 35 amp will be fine,we sell valeo ones for £53 inclusive of vat and old unit surcharge
01793 821715 automotive parts distribution
ebay shop is automotive parts and tools direct
cheers john

[shnevpayne]

I would say for the sake of an extra £10 get the 70 amp, and if you can one day the pug 1.9 diesel battery. The best of both worlds and your mini will love you for them both!

[pantera2075]

45Amp will be fine on a mini - there's comparatively nowt to power compared to a modern car.
Larger output will noticably hurt the performance of the engine for the first few miles every day, apart from if you only do short runs, then a bigger output one is preferable.

Only put on a bigger battery if you put on a bigger alternator.

Have your earth leads checked.

Once you've got the new stuff on, have the system checked by someone who really knows what they are doing - it should only take 5 mins.

[MiniMonty]

Thanks all for the advice,

I need to power halogen lights, 2x 50w spots sometimes, wipers, rear de-mister, heater, fan and radio (it's winter...)
but I only drive about five miles each way to get the kids to and from school (and then to the pub of course).
It only ever does short runs around town so would the consensus be for a 45 or a 70 ?

Best wishes
Monty