Thread: One for the electrical guru's

Hi all,

I've had a re-occurring electical issue that triggers some dash lights and battery charging problems on my '89 RRC. I suspect it is the alternator, or more specifically the regulator.

It started with the occassional charge light coming on and obviously the battery was not charging as it became a bit sluggish to start. I checked the voltage across the battery when running and this was 14v or so, and 12v not running. I caught it once when teh charge light was on and it was no higher when running. The alternator got the blame, it is an aftermarket Bosch number and the wire connection were rubbish so i re-done them decent and had very littel trouble since then with charge. However during all that bother and more so lately, the indicators have only worked intermitantly. Worse when the headlights were on. I guessed this was the regulator after checking a the positive terminal post on the bulkhead which was OK (thanks Mike90RR), something bugged me about this so sourced a new flasher unit (thanks TAFF) and this has totally cured the indicators. Happy ending.....of course not. The charge light is back!!!

Is this the regulator or a loose wire/connection? Where do I look? Would the regulator voltage spiking affect the flasher unit and cause it to fail?

Any advice welcomed.

Neil

The regulator on the Bosch 85 amp alternators is notorious for failure.

Buy a new one for 50 bucks and I will bet that you have no more trouble.

It is very easy to fit being held by only 2 screws and available at virtually any parts place. AFAIK the Commodore is the same as the Falcon is the same as the Magna so you can ask for any around 1990.

Mine used to show a red after 2 or so hours running. A replacement failed completely in Kakadu and I went to the mechanic in Jabiru who had 6 alternators but no regulators.LOL He also said that it is a known problem.
Regards Philip A