Alternator Conversion - Does your car talk to you?

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:36 pm

Another update:
I got the correct vee belt (10 x 800) and fit everything up to see what offset I need. With four 1.5mm washers behind the mounting flange the pulleys all line up. Of course I can't install it that way as the adjusting strap won't line up and if I space it forward it will interfere with the dipstick. I've contacted my alternator supplier who will give/make a spacer to bring the pulley forward on the alternator shaft. I may only get about four or 4.5mm that way so I may still need to use one washer behind the flange. That will work as I can put a washer behind the adjusting strap too.
I spent this afternoon changing the polarity on the coil, electric fuel pump, and radiator cooling fan. I still need to do the window switches and tach. The earth lead from the battery was long enough but too large for the terminal and all the conductors didn't fit so the "extras" had been cut off. I'll get a proper cable made this week. Likewise the earth strap from the engine to the chassis was a bit of a bodge so that will get replaced as well. I also found a few dodgy cables such as the earth lead to the horns. Most of the conductors were broken so I cut it back and crimped on a new terminal. Maybe the horns will work now!
My battery lead lug terminals are facing the wrong way around and the square head bolts had been reversed for access so I want to se if I can get ones that will fit properly. Don't recommend turning them upside down as they are tapered. :shock:

Stay tuned for further progress.

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 8:49 pm

It's never straightforward, is it? I went to get new earth cables made today and the workshop had closed early! The one employee still in the shop took my old cable and strap and will get new ones made tomorrow. I can collect them after work. I did get a couple of marine-type battery terminals. The new earth cables will come with eyelet terminals crimped on to a welding cable. The battery to starter solenoid cable is already installed so I can't get a terminal crimped on. I'll either need to use the old lug terminal or solder an eylet terminal to the cable in the car - probably the former as I'd need to take a lot of precaution with that much heat around all that fibreglass and a fuel tank nearby!!! :shock:

Anyway, that's a day lost. It's looking less likely I'll make the WestRun this weekend :cry:

.

Post by: **RichC** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 9:36 pm

In answer to your original question .... yes !
she says to me .. love me for what I am and don't try to change me !

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:16 pm

Whatever floats your boat, Rich. I have a different approach. It?s a car, not a woman. If I can make it more reliable or safer without changing its essential driving characteristics and can then spend more time driving and enjoying it I?ll do so. Chapman was constantly changing the cars and I believe in the same philosophy. :wink:

Post by: **alexblack13** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:59 pm

I'm in Cork area next week. Am I anywhere near you?

Al' .....

Post by: **elansprint71** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:45 pm

alexblack13 wrote:I'm in Cork area next week. Am I anywhere near you?

Al' .....

Well at least you will be on the same island. :roll:

Post by: **fatboyoz** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 6:52 am

Here's one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Elan-se ... _500wt_922
Colin

Galwaylotus wrote: Looks like I may be making the three-hole plate referenced above!

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:27 am

It's running!

I had the alternator installed and the wiring changes made on Thursday evening but the engine wouldn't fire. After a night's sleep I went over the wiring diagrams again. I had removed the tach to get it converted, calibrated, and refurbished and had forgotten to bridge the two white cables! :oops:

Once corrected I got it running and when it warmed up a bit set the idle a bit fast and checked the voltage at the battery - 14.4V. Happy days! Some things that hadn't been working well or at all started worknig properly again now that they have sufficient voltage. Sadly I still have a bit of tidying to do so I didn't make the run today but at least the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train coming against me!

Post by: **UAB807F** » Sun Jul 24, 2011 5:43 am

Great news and it's an added bonus that the extra voltage has fixed those other things "for free" :wink:

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 24, 2011 8:57 pm

Anyone have Alex Black's mobile number? I sent him a PM when I saw his message about being in Cork but I hadn't been on the forum for a couple of days and it may have missed him before he travelled. If anyone has his number, please PM me. Thanks.

Bill

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 11:47 am

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:50 pm

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:51 pm

Post by: **Galwaylotus** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:53 pm

I couldn't figure out how to put all the photos in in one go. :oops:

Anyway, these show the result of the conversion. Alternator installed, control box removed, wiring upgraded, longer fan belt (10mm x 800mm).

I still have a bit of tidying to do but at least it's all running now!

Alternator Conversion - Does your car talk to you?

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