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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 09:45

Title: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 09:45
Well, on my way to work today, the battery light was flickering whilst driving. Looks like the alternator has had it.

The battery finally ran out of power and the car ground to a halt.
I managed to push it off the road and sat there for a few minutes swearing.

When I'd finished swearing, I popped inside the nearest place to my car and asked for a bit of help.
The answer?
"Why don't you buy a new alternator off us?"

It turns out I'd just pushed my car to GSF car parts without knowing!

So now my car is stuck there with no way of moving it. So if anyone fancies popping down to GSF and fitting me an alternator I'll buy them a pint or two!
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: simpleton on 07 October 2008, 09:48
which one u at mate
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 09:54
Sheffield
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: simpleton on 07 October 2008, 09:55
im miles from there mate  :sad: im in warrington sorry n got t o out out at 12
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 09:59
No worries mate
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: JC on 07 October 2008, 10:08
erm, is it deffo a DUD alternator ????

I had the same flickering light - cleaned all the connections up on the Alternator and starter motor etc and problem solved  :wink:
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: mattkh on 07 October 2008, 10:11
"Why don't you buy a new alternator off us?"
Hi
Dont buy an alternator, all you need are the brushes and you can change them with a screw driver.
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 10:12
They don't have the brushes in stock "apparently".

And I don't know which make alternator I have on at the moment  :sad:
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 11:18
Has anyone got a pic of a Bosch alternator so i can identify mine?
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: rubjonny on 07 October 2008, 12:03
should have a sticker on it that'll tell ya what it is, alty swap is easy though all u need is a 13mm spanner and an allen socket but i cant remember the size off hand.
bush pack should be held on the back wi 2 screws iirc, pop it off and take it in the shop show em what you have  :grin:
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 12:22
does the bush pack come as part of the voltage regulator as they say they don't sell just the bushes?
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: rubjonny on 07 October 2008, 12:23
yeah I'm pretty sure it'll all be in 1 pice?  not actually done this job on a MK2 alternator only a MK3 which is a bit different!
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 07 October 2008, 19:47
Right then, bought a new alternator, just finished changing it and still not charging battery properly!
I'm gonna torch this thing soon.

Does anyone know what the bit in the red ring is on the back of my old alternator???

(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn20/logeyboy/alternator-1-1.jpg)

as my new one doesn't have this??

Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: richard s on 07 October 2008, 21:16
if you have enough power to get started get yourself down shalesmoor and go to chapmans auto electrics they recon starters and alternators and will test for you and tell you what is fecked
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: danny_p on 07 October 2008, 21:22
that circled bit is a capacitor / condensor        it  stops your radio whineing
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: bomp on 07 October 2008, 22:18
http://www.iol.ie/~kilkennyhockey//BentleyManual/EE01/ch5.3.1.html
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 08 October 2008, 12:59
Thanks

My new aftermarket alternator doesn't have this part though??

I've fitted a new alternator & a new battery and I still get a faint flickering from the battery light to say it isn't charging?

Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: bomp on 08 October 2008, 15:58
the object opposite to what you've circled is the voltage regulator, and has brushes on it. http://www.germes-online.com/catalog/78/11/1283/116244/sell_voltage_regulator.html

It may be a dud battery, if your getting the light flickering, but as said earlier, clean all contact areas first.

I think Halfords do a free check on batteries, so it may be worth a look up to see if yours is functioning ok.
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 08 October 2008, 16:25
It's a brand new battery and  so is the alternator
I've tried 2 different batteries and it does exactly the same

Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 10 October 2008, 11:24
It's fixed!

Wiring was completely shot, it's to be expected for a 19 year old car I guess.

Cost £45 to fix.  :sad:which is ok, but I bought a new battery and alternator needlessly...
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: bomp on 10 October 2008, 12:39
Ah good.  I might invest in a new earth strap myself, and put new brushes on my alt too, just as a service like precaution just to stay on top of things.

Sell your old alt on, but keep your old battery to make a home made electric fence or something, lol. It'll be fun watching the local cats jump  :laugh:
Title: Re: Broken down...
Post by: logeyboy on 10 October 2008, 12:51
In reality, it could do with a complete re-wire.

I'm gonna get a quote when I pick it up.  Was looking at changing  the headlamp loom anyway, so may aswell get it all done.