I've got problems!:(

[jimbohotpants]

I've tried three batteries.... two of which are brand spankin new.
And yes.... it'd definately still not chargin:(

Houston.... we have a problem

[houston]

<!--QuoteBegin-jimbohotpants+--><div class='quotetop'>(jimbohotpants)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I've tried three batteries.... two of which are brand spankin new.
And yes.... it'd definately still not chargin:(

Houston.... we have a problem<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

highly original:nono:

looked at my engine and ive got the same lead from the alternator to the earth on battery!

di say it was the alternator then, just cos its new doesnt mean it cant break

[jimbohotpants]

sorry about the "we have a problem" comment.....

Anyway.... I've checked the connections all the way through to the alternator now and they're fine..... the only thing that can be wrong is the alternator itself!
Like I said.... it's new (July this year), so I'm gonna take it to the fitters and get it replaced under warranty (I hope!).

Just out of interest, does anyone know of anything outside of the alternator that can cause it to go faulty?

[houston]

usually faulty earths that damage alternators, or thats what it usually is from my experience. but could be anything from water damage to corroded windings.

[King Calibra]

could also be a bad voltage regulator.....

[jimbohotpants]

The only reason I ask, is cos this is a new alternator, replacing a previous faulty one! So it might suggest that something external to it is causing it to fook up. Could a blown battery bulb break it?

King... I reckon you're right mate. I can't see how it could be the brushes on the slip rings or loose connection so soon in the alternator's life!

[j4mes]

have you changed the bulb yet??

[jimbohotpants]

yep...... and it's still not coming on:(
I've got it booked in to be replaced under warranty next week. I'd rather do the work myself, but that would cost beans! (bit of a back-to-front situation there).

[jimbohotpants]

the alternators being replaced..... not the bulb! lol

[j4mes]

That would suggest wiring too the bulb. as it should come on with ignition. take your clocks out. and try finding the correct wires in the plugs on the back of the clocks, turn the ignition on and see if you get a voltage. it could be something on your clocks that has burnt out.

[jimbohotpants]

no mate.... checked the + side of the bulb and there's volts there. The other side isn't grounding, but the wiring all the way to the alternator is fine (checked thoroughly).
I've connected the stud on the alternator directly to the alternator housing, thus bypassing the alternator internals, and the bulb comes on! (with ignition on).
This indicates conclusively that there is a problem INSIDE the alternator, and not in the loom anywhere.
So, to save me a pain in the arse of fault finding within the alernator, and replacing/fixing any bits, I'm gonna take it right back to whence it came! lol

BUT.... the fact that this alternator's fooked so soon.... and the old one was fooked n'all might indicate a problem elsewhere causing the fault! I wondered if anyone has any ideas? You never know, the blown bulb may have caused it!

[j4mes]

ooooh i get ya. well at least you have traced it down to the alternator. was it a brand new unit or a recon?? i remember getting a recon one on my xr3i, and it was worse than the old one. it ended up melting all my cables and fookin my starter motor. so you could have been unlucky and got a duff one

[jimbohotpants]

Nasty mate!
I think it was a new one, but it's hard to say really. Hopefully this new one next week will put it all right!

[j4mes]

well good luck. and dont forget to take the batteries back and get a refund!!!

[jimbohotpants]

cheers, and yes, I had forgotten! lol