Alternator randomly stops

[Yohan]

Afternoon,

Seems I have an Alternator issue.

Firstly it rarely charges above 14.0v, usually between 13.0 - 13.5v.

Twice now I have started the car first thing in the morning and shortly after there is a loud click/clunk noise, all the lights dip, the engine grunts, and the voltage level drops to 11.5v.

Before I can pop the bonnet to go and look, the voltage goes back up to 13.5v again.

I have in the past couple of weeks had a screaching from the aux belt area as well.

Does this sound like a dodgy voltage regulator and alternator pulley?

Or should I just get the whole lot replaced?

[richw911]

Check all the earth's and the fuse box on top on the battery for damage / melting 

[Yohan]

All earths look clean, fuses are all dandy, and nothing has melted.

The car had been sitting since Friday night, when I turned it on this morning the voltage gauge dropped to 11.5v, the car started spluttering and misfiring and generally sounded rough.

After a few seconds the alternator kicked in, voltage rose to 13.5v and the engine started running nice and smoothly again.

Would a jammed alternator pulley cause the engine to misfire like this?

[Wazzzer]

Maybe mate, once it jams I guess it could draw power off the battery rather than recharging it.