MG Engine Swaps Forum

This has been going on for a while. I slight glow from the ignition light when a few electrical items are on. (Headlights etc)

Over the winter I replaced a positive battery terminal connector as it was making a poor connection. The ign light issue was not the primary reason for the terminal replacement but I was hopeful it would help.

Tonight as I was putting the car into the garage I had a chance to see if the terminal made any difference and to my surprise the ign light is glowing brighter than ever. Now it glows just under normal idle, brighter when I hit the brakes etc and almost a full glow with everything electrical turned on.

I post this here as my Rover engine conversion also incorporates a Bosch alternator.

Electric items:
Fuel injection (with relay)
Headlights ( relay)
High beams (relay)
Horn (relay)
Fog light (relay)
Spot light (relay)
Brake lights
Heater fan (relay)
Radio
Rear fog light (relay)
Fuel pump
The usual other things like dash lights, reverse lights etc.

A friend of mine has given the name of an armerature shop but I feel that i to be a bit more educated on this issue.

Any and all opinions and or experiences appreciated.

PS the battery is only about two years old.

Tim

Hate to state the obvious but have you Checked belt tension?
Then have you put a meter on the alt???Whats it putting out??
Take it to a shop and have them bench spin it if it's less than 80 amp you. Need to do a 100 amp alr if not more
You have a lot of draw

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Ron Looye
Invermere BC
79 302 efi Conversion complete
Cb Conversion

Hi Ron,

Belt is ok. Thank you for the info regarding amperage needs vs electrical draw. That's the knowledge I'm looking for.

Anyone else care to share?

Bad rectifier in the alternator?

Put a good volt meter on the battery with the engine running. You are looking for 13.8 volt plus or minus .2. Not running it should be about 12.1 volt.
If the voltage running is good, you may have a problem with the wire going to the alternator that senses for loss of charging. It may have chaffed and grounded, or pin it connects to in the alternator may be grounding internally.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-04-27 07:48 PM by bardan.