mysterious electric - less voltage?

[don.hasi]

here are the symptoms:

From the start a have various voltages, when I turn the indicator, turn on the lights, the fans kick in etc. you could see it at the water temp, which is the quickest item which "notices" the change of electric power use. This goes so far, that the water temp adds 10 degrees more than it normally have. The otter switch does operate right and measures his own values (so it kicks in at 100° or 110° with the lights on). Oh... and the oilpressure notices it too and varies about 1bar

Today something changed: my heart stood still when I have had 120° suddenly on the water gauge but a short check delivered the voltage was not at the normal level with 13,8V, it was only a little bit over 12... I would say 12,3 or 12,5.This all with the exception of lefthand drive turns... than for a short time, it goes back 10° and the voltage gauge meter gets shortly higher.

Seems to be a loose or poor connection. But where? I have checked the alternator wiring. Seems to be correct. Of coure the belt is strong too.

Any suggestions for me to look at?

Thanks in advance

[MrCoolA]

here are the symptoms:

From the start a have various voltages, when I turn the indicator, turn on the lights, the fans kick in etc. you could see it at the water temp, which is the quickest item which "notices" the change of electric power use. This goes so far, that the water temp adds 10 degrees more than it normally have. The otter switch does operate right and measures his own values (so it kicks in at 100° or 110° with the lights on). Oh... and the oilpressure notices it too and varies about 1bar

Today something changed: my heart stood still when I have had 120° suddenly on the water gauge but a short check delivered the voltage was not at the normal level with 13,8V, it was only a little bit over 12... I would say 12,3 or 12,5.This all with the exception of lefthand drive turns... than for a short time, it goes back 10° and the voltage gauge meter gets shortly higher.

Seems to be a loose or poor connection. But where? I have checked the alternator wiring. Seems to be correct. Of coure the belt is strong too.

Any suggestions for me to look at?





Thanks in advance

Possibly a bad/poor earth have you tried removing the straps and cleaning then replacing??

[ttedj]

I second the poor earth. On the midget I had a poor earth from the lights. It was earthing through any route possible and lots of incorrect lights were turning on.

ted

[don.hasi]

sounds possible.

But I couldn´t find the straps could anyone give me an advise where to search for?

[ttedj]

Between Engine and chassis on the drivers side low down. And from the battery to the chassis - under the rear drivers side wheel arch.

Ted

[pompey ice]

Hi , There's also an earthing point located on the brake pedal box [ all the guages and engine electrics go to there ]

cheers Ian

[steven popay]

there is also the live connection at the chassis but you would normally expect starting problems if it was that.

[don.hasi]

Thank you all for your inputs so far… I will lay down under her clothes this weekend to investigate her straps In the meantime she has offered her Jedi-self-repairing-meditation-modus and shows stronger voltages like never before

But no positive surprises without some negatives… the alternator seems to deliver some craspy noises and it should be a good idea to get a spare one.

Further I have found the strap of the bonnet loose under the PAS-pipes. Where is the counterpart of the other end, where do I have to mount it in the engine bay?

[don.hasi]

Dear gentlemen,

I need your help with the earth stripes. There were several hints from you each time I report from my wobbly temperatures and volt gauges.


First: I have located a cable coming from the bonnet, but don´t know where the counter part is? I couldn´t also find a picture or drawing where the second point is located.

Second: I have an ignition amplifier from Lucas. Here is the earth stripe completely rotten. Where is here the counter part?

Third: I have seen the earth bonds from the carbs. They seem to be ok. How does they appear, when they are near to their lifetime end? How do they effect the engine running?

Fourth: I still haven´t found the earth stripe from the pedal box to the engine. I would suppose that someone of you have the car already lifted for servicing etc. Could you please give me a picture, where I have to search?

Fifth: the MY >89 have several more points under the section “Earth, bonds & capacitors” in the parts list, which are also not showed up. Beside some setscrews, where I don´t know where to search, there is also a defined earth cable engine to chassi with no hint where it is located. Could you please help?

Thanks in advance
Don

[Steve C]

There's a thick earth strap that goes to the block underneath the carbs. Mine corroded up after I degreased the engine.

I just unbolted it, cleaned it up and covered it in grease again