Thread: Alternator not charging adequately (Thor 4.6 150A)

I grabbed a cheap digital voltmeter off ebay for about 3 bucks, it plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.

Now i can keep an eye on the voltage easily when i need to.

Steve

Originally Posted by Robsrod 58

If your unsure about the Ebay regulator, contact some of the people who have bought them for opinions. If you change the brushes make sure you dress the commutator otherwise premature brush wear and arcing will occur, best of luck.

Rob

Hi
I bought a cheap regulator off eBay. Installed it and no more problems. I cant comment on longevity because I have sold the car.
Regards
Andrew

Hi Glen, I have the same size battery as you in my p38 and I have a new alternator. The charging voltage on startup is usually about 14.2V – 14.4V to compensate for the current pull when starting and then settles down to 13.6V – 13.8V after a few minutes of running when the alternator has compensated for the initial current draw. That is and has always been the way that I have known voltages to behave in a charging system. I wouldn’t start spending money if I were you until you have had your battery load tested with a good carbon pile load tester.

Until you’ve done that you don’t know what the condition of the battery is. All specialised battery shops will do that for you for free. Keep in mind that the starter might be on the way out and your vehicle may not be starting for that reason. An auto electrician would be able to measure the current draw by the starter and tell you the condition of it – usually for free. It may be that your alternator or regulator are faulty but until you’ve done these checks you’re really just stabbing in the dark.

Originally Posted by glenhendry

I have a very big 950CCA 180RC century battery (86ZMF) and it is failing to start the car 13 months of age (again). This time I believe that there is a better reason.

I have a cool battery monitor that i have been using to watch the charging voltage across both batteries via this isolator.

I always used to have good charging figures, but recently it has reduced to 13.5-13.6v with engine running. That is not enough, as the electrical sticky bible insists on 14.2-14.4. I notice it tends to reduce as things underbonnet heat up, which may indicate regulator failure? I should also note that I have brand new alt->batt cable with new terminal and doubled up earth cables.

Supercheap wanted $899 for the new Alternator, so I want to try a new regulator like Hoges suggests. Rave tells me that I have a Bosch NC90/150 alternator, but I am having trouble finding the regulator for it. Any ideas? Ebay seller suggests this one, and this brush set. I am not sure a non-genuine part is a good idea here.
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The new regulator arrived and I installed it last night. All things look good this morning.

HERE is the regulator I bought.

See pics for new and old compared.

Things are still problematic. Thanks for your comments p38oncoils, but the battery is definitely not charing completely, I get the gearbox fault error and the slow ABS pump sound and a very low voltage on the monitor.

The new regulator didnt fix my problem this time. Looking for a new alternator. I dont want low voltage problems to start causing hassles with other electrical systems like alarms, and door latches etc.

Originally Posted by glenhendry

Things are still problematic. Thanks for your comments p38oncoils, but the battery is definitely not charing completely, I get the gearbox fault error and the slow ABS pump sound and a very low voltage on the monitor.

The new regulator didnt fix my problem this time. Looking for a new alternator. I dont want low voltage problems to start causing hassles with other electrical systems like alarms, and door latches etc.

Call Ashdown Ingram on 3277 8633 or Baxters on 3845 0555 for a price. I got mine from Baxters. I think you'll get them a lot cheaper there than at Super Cheap.

There's a guy over here in Perth with 2 second hand alternators for sale:

120 amp Range Rover Alternators. | Other Parts & Accessories | Gumtree Australia Stirling Area - Osborne Park

Maybe worth a call?

Gary

Even With the Postage I doubt you would find a cheaper New 150 amp unit than these..........
New Alternator Land Rover Range Rover 1999 2000 150Amp | eBay