9 replies to this topic

[big.dave.666]

Hi I have a 1380 with an 80amp alternator and this is the 2nd one in a year it is only putting out 12.01 volts out is it just bad luck on the ones I have bought or any other problem I could look for thanks

[KernowCooper]

Depends what make they are? sounds like quality issues if they keep failing, but well worth checking is your battery and earth connections as any open circuit on the cars main battery to alternator circuit can kill a alternator

[big.dave.666]

Battery is good earth and conections are fine I even checked the voltage at the back of alternator still only 12.01 volts

[SurreySprite]

I replaced mine last year and the had 2 new ones fail on me within a few months.

They were an uprated alternator from Minispeed.

[KernowCooper]

Thats the trouble these days they are either very poor quality or refurb rubbish ! just see the steering racks the factors sell

[big.dave.666]

Mini is mini speed to taking it back tomorrow as only had for 3 months

[Guess-Works.com]

makes you wonder what you need an 80 amp alternator for

[Yoda]

Assume your charge light works i do!

 

No charge from alternator if lamp blown it is.

[tiger99]

I suspect the usual cheap Chinese or back street reconditioner junk. There are other options. Some lightweight alternators are based on good Japanese internals in a Lucas-style casing. A Mini specialist may not be the best place to buy. Try some Googling, or try here for example:

 

http://www.brise.co....lternators.html

 

.

[ACDodd]

Speaking as someone who actually rebuilds alternators a lot of problem come from loose fitting connections. If you have the Lucas A127 type, by far the best thiong you can do is to actually use the main output stud on the rear of the unit. This eliminates voltage spike brought about by the movemen of the usual lucar spade terminals. Interestingly these are only rated at 25amps each. With only 2 int he rear of the A127 they are simply not large enough for the higher outputs. Converting any alternator to use a bolt on main output lead is the way to go.

 

by the way if you can get it to me, I can diagnose the failure and help you find a solution to your problem.

AC