Tuesday, 22 May 2012

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.

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