Batteries Dying

[astranaut]

Hi - Have a 1.4 pov spec C14NZ, and i've gone through 3 batteries since Christmas. I thought it would be the alternator (going to get one tomoro), but when i put a good battery on it will last up to a month before trouble. There is a high pitched whistle coming from the alternator, gets higher on revving the engine. thought if the alternator was the problem though it would show straight away. So is my alternator dying slowly?

 

[Andy_Mk3]

Probably an alternator problem yes. Before spending money on batteries/alternators it's best to get a multimeter out first, check the charging rate from the alternator etc. Sounds like your alternator is over charging though which kills a battery eventually.

 

[astranaut]

Yeah i did have it checked and it said it was ok, also the guy did a test whereby he loosed the battery connectors, started it then disconnected the battery? It carried on going then, that was about a month ago.

Andy_Mk3 - gonna have to start paying you! Everytime i get a problem you got the solution within minutes lol! You've not been wrong yet either, the brake problem i had has been rectified doing what you said, dismantled, fully cleaned and greased and reassembled. Won't be using that garage again.

 

[Andy_Mk3]

Disconnecting the battery while the car is running proves the alternator has an output, but it gives no indication of how much! You really need to switch garages. Every garage should have basic equipment to check batteries and alternators.

 

[astranaut]

I know they are ****e round here, £40 hour labour to. Which is why i am going to attempt to do my alternator. dont think its too tricky, have my haynes manual. Cheers mate.

 

[Lefthooker]

Alternator can be swapped in 5 minutes. Thats really not worth going to a garage for.

there are only 2 bolts, one at the bottom where it "pivots" and the bolt at the top which is also the tensioning bolt. When you release the top bolt the alternator will slip forward under the belt tension. Just remember when you fit the new alternator that you will need some sort of lever to put tension back onto the alternator belt, (by pushing the alternator back, and thus applying tension to the belt) Dont over tighten it

Found this pic on google,, the 2 bolts are pretty much where the blue rings are. (ignore the red arrow and ring)

 

[astranaut]

Lefthooker - I only went to the garage to see if it was the alternator, i was going to fit it myself if it was, at least have a go but it was a piece of ****. i was just hoping it wasnt cos i couldnt afford it! It turned out (after buying one grr) the earth lead from the adjuster bolt to the head had snapped but hadnt made itself known. So now has a new alternater, belt and earth strap. Cheers fella!