Flickering lights

[AdsLandies]

Have noticed for a while now that sometimes the headlights flicker slightly, more so at idle, but noticed it more clearly with the interior light the other night. It's been going on for years and I've pretty much ignored it as it's not really bad, and I've been meaning to upgrade the piddly 40A alternator anyway.
Anyone know what the likely problem is?
It will be just my luck that it will finally die and I'll end up stranded somewhere in the middle of the night these holidays.
Thanks,
Adam.

[flagg]

Sounds like a dodgy joint, worse at idle due to the extra vibrations. Tracking it down will be a PITA so I would just get a traxxide kit a replace the wiring.

[justinc]

flickering 'pulsing' lights usually indicate a voltage fluctuation, i suggest the rectifier is dying so try and upgrade the alternator asap.

jc

[JDNSW]

Rather than the alternator dying, I suspect the flickering is the alternator speed varying with each compression - but this should really not cause a noticeable difference in voltage to the lights. The fact that it does would suggest to me that there is a poor connection somewhere in the charging circuit. While this could be in the alternator, it is in my view more likely to be either the battery or the battery connections, most likely the engine/chassis link.

John

[AdsLandies]

Thanks for the above comments guys. Will have a good look at the connections to attempt a quick fix first. I know I should do the alternator anyway, but may not be able to get it done before I go away. Have seen the chinese copy of the Hitachi (70amp I think), which I'm not too sure about, but know some of you have used them.
Otherwise, any suggestions on where to source another alternator, and which type? Don't mind having to modify things a bit to fit.
Thanks,
Adam.

[steveG]

Some recent info here: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/65276-4bd1-alternator-3.html

Some of the 90's Nissan and Toyota diesels had similar alternators with vac pump on the back. Ideally you want to get one that has a 1B pulley otherwise you will have to change the pulley.

If you've got an original Landy engine with alternator then you've likely got the wider foot spacing. Apparently you can just trim the mounting bracket on the engine down to the narrower spacing which was standard with the 70A alternators, but I haven't done it myself.

It could just be that your current alternator needs a new set of brushes and bearings. Quick and easy job to do...

Steve

[AdsLandies]

Thanks Steve. I find the 40A alternator really struggles to put out enough power when running accessories, particularly with the AirCon on, but if new brushes might help, I'd give that a go too. Thanks for the link too - should help in finding an alternative one.

[steveG]

Thanks Steve. I find the 40A alternator really struggles to put out enough power when running accessories, particularly with the AirCon on, but if new brushes might help, I'd give that a go too. Thanks for the link too - should help in finding an alternative one.

I agree - the 40A is too small if you are running a few things or parking up for a couple of nights with decent battery capacity and then needing to recharge it once on the move.
I'm planning on replacing mine with a decent 120A unit as I've got around 200Ah between my 2 batteries. It takes more than a decent day's drive to recharge them to anywhere near full if I've been camped for a couple of nights - especially when travelling in dusty conditions with headlights on using a bit of current.
I've actually got one of the 70A chinese ones from the US via ebay that I never got round to fitting before deciding to just go all the way and do the 120A. Price would be less than ebay so PM me if you're after one.

Steve