MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: jvanzyl on September 9, 2024, 22:02

Title: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: jvanzyl on September 9, 2024, 22:02
Hi all,
I think my alternator might be getting a bit old. Whilst trying to fix the RRR map with @shnazzle  this evening, we noticed the voltage dropping down to 11.x  when doing things like holding the window switches up (with windows fully up).
 
Currently running a charge cooler pump, edfc 2, and a boost controller gauge over and above stock. Additionally I'm running a lifePo battery..

As an aside I totally need to change the power steering fluid as the pump makes quite a whine (could be drawing more power?)

Can anyone comment on the longevity of the alternator or the general setup that would allow the voltage to drop so low?

Can anyone comment if
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 08:58
It could be that you're asking too much of the battery?
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: Joesson on September 10, 2024, 09:22
@jvanzyl

As above but this may answer your alternator query, the latter part explains a simple test.

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/car-part-longevity/how-long-alternators-last.htm
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: jvanzyl on September 10, 2024, 11:34
Quote from: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 08:58It could be that you're asking too much of the battery?

Hmm ok... possible. 
Quote from: Joesson on September 10, 2024, 09:22@jvanzyl

As above but this may answer your alternator query, the latter part explains a simple test.

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/car-part-longevity/how-long-alternators-last.htm

I'll have a look!
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 13:47
If it's the same alternator that was on the engine we put in at my place, that alterantor had only done 30 -odd thousand miles.  I'd be very surprised if it's struggling.
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: jvanzyl on September 10, 2024, 14:04
Quote from: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 13:47If it's the same alternator that was on the engine we put in at my place, that alterantor had only done 30 -odd thousand miles.  I'd be very surprised if it's struggling.

I'm not sure but I don't think the new engine came with ancillaries? Which would make it 150000 miles old..
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 15:10
Quote from: jvanzyl on September 10, 2024, 14:04I'm not sure but I don't think the new engine came with ancillaries? Which would make it 150000 miles old..

Yes it did.  It had the alternator on it.
Title: Re: Possible alternator ageing
Post by: jvanzyl on September 10, 2024, 15:18
Quote from: Carolyn on September 10, 2024, 15:10Yes it did.  It had the alternator on it.
Oh score! Glad you remember it..