I have a blacktop zetec conversion in my morris minor nearing completion. The engine was first fired up about a month ago and has been started and run up to temperature to test all the systems were operating as they should a few times now. Probably about 30-40 minutes of running time total.
On Saturday I started the car to check the exhaust system for leaks and the charging light did not go out as it had on previous start ups. The voltage gauge in the dash didn't show any charge. On checking with my multimeter there was no output from the alternator. The Alternator was new when the project was started so has been on the engine unused for a couple of years. I had another new alternator the same in stock for my next project so fitted that but the problem is still the same with this one fitted.
So I am now thinking it has to be something in the wiring that is the problem but the alternator charged fine for all the previous start ups. I have used this type alternator for 5 previous zetec conversions without any issues and the wiring loom is new. The waring light is the original minor one in the speedo and is wired to an ignition switched live and directly to the D+ terminal on the altenator, this terminal is supposed to change from an earth to a live and extinguish the light as the altenator starts to charge. This is not happening. The battery is wired to the B+ terminal, there is also a W terminal which is unused (this is for a rev counter on some OE applications apparently).
Could the resistance in the warning light circuit be too low and not exciting the regulator? I can't see a wattage figure on the bulb but it is a proper bulb and not LED. What I can't get my head around is the fact it appeared to be working fine for the last month and suddenly without anything being changed it has stopped. Both alternators can't be faulty surely?
So any ideas? I am going to try a different warning light with a higher wattage bulb to see if helps but I am open to any suggestions.
On Saturday I started the car to check the exhaust system for leaks and the charging light did not go out as it had on previous start ups. The voltage gauge in the dash didn't show any charge. On checking with my multimeter there was no output from the alternator. The Alternator was new when the project was started so has been on the engine unused for a couple of years. I had another new alternator the same in stock for my next project so fitted that but the problem is still the same with this one fitted.
So I am now thinking it has to be something in the wiring that is the problem but the alternator charged fine for all the previous start ups. I have used this type alternator for 5 previous zetec conversions without any issues and the wiring loom is new. The waring light is the original minor one in the speedo and is wired to an ignition switched live and directly to the D+ terminal on the altenator, this terminal is supposed to change from an earth to a live and extinguish the light as the altenator starts to charge. This is not happening. The battery is wired to the B+ terminal, there is also a W terminal which is unused (this is for a rev counter on some OE applications apparently).
Could the resistance in the warning light circuit be too low and not exciting the regulator? I can't see a wattage figure on the bulb but it is a proper bulb and not LED. What I can't get my head around is the fact it appeared to be working fine for the last month and suddenly without anything being changed it has stopped. Both alternators can't be faulty surely?
So any ideas? I am going to try a different warning light with a higher wattage bulb to see if helps but I am open to any suggestions.
