Alternator Problems

I've had an issue recently with the alternator.  It was a new Brise 16004 alternator supplied by Tiger and its only done 1700 miles.  I noticed something was wrong when I could see the headlights flickering.  Only noticeable on side lights.  I checked the battery voltage with the engine running and it was erratic, sometimes above 15 volts.  If left this was going to damage my battery.

I checked all the wiring, the belt tension and the alternator plug, but everything seemed normal.  I decided to take the alternator to a local alternator and starter motor specialist.  I wanted it fixed quickly and I wasn't sure how long it would take if I sent if back to Tiger or how much the postage would cost.  I did contact Brise by email regarding the warranty, but I've still not heard back.

In the end it turned out to be a simple fix.  All the connections on the regulator had vibrated loose (or not been correctly tightened by Brise during manufacture).  The regulator had also failed, possibly as a result of working loose.  The alternator repair shop fitted a new regulator during the same day.  I've refitted the alternator and now I've got a nice steady 14.2 volts.

Intercom and Headsets

When I did the French road rallye last month with Southern Kit Car Club I noticed that a number of cars were fitted with intercoms.  Certainly made communication between driver and navigator that bit easier.

Anyway, I've bought myself the Terratrip Clubman intercom and the Clubman Practice Headsets.  I tested them last week on an 80 mile run.  Overall, I'm very pleased and would recommend the set up.  You still get just the right amount of ambient/road/exhaust/engine noise without being deafened.

Stationary and at speeds up to about 40mph conversation is perfectly audible.  From 40 to 60 the wind noise becomes noticeable and then as you get higher speed it does get quite noisy, but usually at this point you are only on a quick straight before slowing again.

You can also run the GPS (phone in my case) into the intercom unit.  This is really designed to take an input from a two-way radio.  It does not work so well with my phone as the output signal is too low and/or there is an impedance mismatch between the units (phone is too quiet compared to the other persons headset).  I've ordered a small headphone amplifier unit to see if this helps.

On last week's run, with a beanie hat, Dixon goggles and practice headset on both driver and passenger were very comfortable.  I think it does reduce the fatigue a bit too.  I've no windscreen or aeroscreen at this stage.  There is some slight alternator noise at low speed and occasional breakthrough from the phone signal.

Depending upon your taste they look quite business-like to, whether on the head or hooked over the rollbar.

Next I'll invest in the full face helmet version as an option for track/motorway use.

It wasn't in the instructions, but I believe an essential part of the operating procedure is to remove them when in tunnels!

Rallye des Jonquilles (15th April, 2012)

Not long after getting the car on the road we had the privilege of taking part in a road book rallye in Northern France: the Rallye des Jonquilles (daffodil rally).  Around 15 kit cars from the Southern Kit Car Club were invited by the local French motor club to join the rallye.

A very early start was required to meet up in Kent at around 08:30 for the channel crossing.  On the motorway bound for the meet up at Ashford Tescos.

Cars and drivers assembling ready for the short dash down the M20 to the Channel Tunnel.

Checking-in en-masse for the Channel Tunnel.

Ready for formation boarding of the train.

On board.  Time to get to know our new travelling companions a bit better.  Where are you from?  What is it?  Did you build it yourself?

And they're off.  Straight into the French traffic. Am I really driving in France in this car that I just finished putting together in my garage?  Oh yes, this is fun!

Wonderful roads on the cross country route from Calais to Baie des Sommes.  This is what the car was built for.

Break to stretch legs half way to the lunch stop.  By this point we'd split into at least two groups.  I think we had now made it into the first group.  It wouldn't last.

Avon taking a breather.

Loose formation around the many windy, country roads.  The roads were pretty much deserted during the whole weekend, which added to the fun.

Okay, so there was a little traffic to hold us up.

Parking up at the night stop in Bethune.  After this we all got taxis into town for a few beers and a pizza.

Next morning was a short 30 minute blast cross country to Hazebrouk.  The full compliment of approximately 150 cars gathered in the town square to await the start.

Breakfast was served in the Marie at the edge of the town square.

Rallye plaque attached to roll bar with cable ties.  I think some had done this before - they had special suckers to attach the plaques to the bonnet without damaging the paint.  The radiator grille was an option, but it would have interrupted the airflow to the radiator.

The road book with the directions, turn-by-turn, for each stage.

Exiges, Astons, Ferraris, Porsches, oh and of course, Tigers.

This April it was still quite cold.  Even colder at speed with no windscreen.

Self portrait while waiting in the queue for the start line.

Chaotic queue for the start line.  What did you expect?  This is France after all.

The end of Stage 1 was in Saint Omer.  Refreshments were served at the local bar.

Another car park taken over by rallye participants.

Lunch was served at the end of Stage 2.  Three courses with wine and reception drinks!  I think most drivers stuck to water.

Another queue, this time for the start of Stage 3.

Ready for the off.

Cars gathering again for the finish in the town square at Hazebrouk.

Unfortunately the heavens opened on the M20 going home.  After so many hours in the saddle since leaving home we were beyond caring.

A total of 597 miles in just over 36 hours, mainly on B roads.  Doubling the total mileage since the car was put on the road just three weeks earlier. The car was put into the garage well after dark - the mud, dust, flies, cow poo, brake dust, etc. could all be cleaned off another day.

We had a fantastic time: good roads, good company, good organisation, good memories.  We'd definitely like to do something like this again.  I hear the French club has another rally in the Autumn.  Now where's my calendar...