DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Had my (911) alternator reconditioned about 500 miles ago and had to remove it recently to fit a new fan belt (pulley nut done up with air gun!). Once replaced all seemed well - healthy 14 volt charge on the voltmeter for a couple of hundred miles. I then noticed that the charge had dropped to 12 volts plus or minus 1/2 volt. I also noticed that the charging warning light was glowing dimly. On switching on the ignition I now get a faint charging light rather than the usual bright one. Revving the engine, or switching on lights, etc has no effect on the dim light.

Now... being as auto-electric conversant as Vlad the Impaler, I would welcome any thoughts from you electrotechnocrats. Thanks

make sure the regulator is earthed properly.

I removed my alternator 4-5 times and eventually had it rebuilt only to find the earth to the regulator was chuffed up. Bit of a clean up with some rough paper did the job.

Thanks Nige - now where's the regulator?

No sure where it is on a 914 but it's a small metal box about the size of two cigarette pack stuck together. Hope this help. And btw I agree that your problem is a bad earth.

should be hanging around the engine bay somewhere with 2-3 wires up its ass.

Mine's mounted on an ali cage in the engine bay to the left as you look at the engine (I think its in a similar place in a 914) the regulator was earthed to the cage, but the cage had 'whited' over on its mounting to the body so wasn't earthing properly istelf.

Thanks guys - I'll see if I can find the aforementioned regulator!

Hi Roger,

It's on the relay board opposite side to the battery under the plastic cover.

Ah - thanks Steve - I'll give it a once over. I suspect that its the lead that's at fault though - seeing as I only recently reconnected all the leads to the back of the alternator. (I hate taking that off!)

Well - switched on the ignition and one very bright ignition light and 14 volt charge - mmmmmmm? Ran the engine for ten minutes, charge dropped to 13 volts and then to 12, but the ignition warning light stayed out. Gritted my teeth and removed the alternator - Voila, the smaller red lead had a broken insulator and the wire appeared to be touching the alternator body. I've checked each of the leads to the relay board with a meter and they're all fine. Do you techie guys think the dodgy wire could be the cause of my problems?

dunno

have you checked the health of your battery?

Absolutely brand spanking new and full of little charge thingies........