alternator charging woes...

[0005K]

Thanks Greg!
I had a 5 watt bulb - couldn't find a 2W locally. Do you think that killed it? Looks like Ill need to pull the alternator and have it checked!
Dick

[gjz30075]

I, too, had my rebuilt alternator checked numerous times; first by the rebuilder and then other
'big box' auto parts stores that does that sort of stuff. It always checked out fine. I don't know
if it killed your bulb. It didn't kill mine but the Hitachi alternator works great. Good luck!

[mbell]

I made my own mini alternator kit. I had to run a dedicated switched live to it to get it to work. It wouldn't work with the two terminals connected to the light.

Maybe try a temp lead to the switched live connection rather than via the bulb and see if it works.

[0005K]

I took the alternator to AutoZone and it was making a charging voltage (B) but the other connections were bad. So according to them it needs repair or exchange. I'm working with Ray at RD Enterprises, and his supplier who makes the generator to alternator conversion kits for him. I'm confident that I'll end up with a working alternator which also works the ignition warning lamp. And we will find out if the 5W vs 2W indicator bulb has any effect on alternator operation. (Still can't find a 2W bayonet style bulb. I may have to try to find and salvage the old screw in style bulb holder & old 2W bulb from my old dash harness.)
Dick

[billwill]

I hope you have not used an LED bulb for the charging light. This is one case where that will not work.

The bulb needs to conduct both ways. So it needs a filament bulb and that needs to be the correct wattage, though I have forgotten what that wattage is.

[smo17003]

There's an LED bulb in my ignition warning and it works fine. I'm using the resistor kit listed here: https://www.bettercarlighting.co.uk/ind ... t&catId=57