battery / alternator wtf?

[marcogolfo]

battery wasnt charging, battery is a month old, alternator is 6 months old voltage regulator was shot, so changed that and its still not charging.  Timing is a country mile out!  would this make any difference?  Also battery was pretty dry inside,  would this mean that it doesnt charge at all or would it charge a little bit?
cheers

[takethefifth]

The timing wouldn't make a difference as long as the alternators turning,  but the battery should have liquid electrolyte in each of the cells. If its dry it needs topping up with distilled water. However if its a month old it really shouldn't be dry.....

[Dizzie]

what are the voltage readings for a start?
 
voltage with the engine off should be about 12
voltage with the engine running should be about 14

If the first one is below 12 then the battery is at faulty. If the 2nd one isn't 14 or above it the alternator. If the battery is also knackered the alternator will fry it and it'll smell like eggs. there should defeiently be liquid inside the battery though!

[marcogolfo]

battery is at 11.4
when alternator is turning battery just gently decreases from 11.4 to 11.3 to 11 to 10.98 etc
cant imagine alternator is shot already :embarassed:

[marcogolfo]

took battery back to chavfords and got it replaced they reckoned it was goosed!  Now charging at 13.6 so is that high enough or should i be worried? 

[takethefifth]

13.6 should be ok, i would give it a while and see how it goes unless anyone has any better suggestions....

[Simpson]

13.6 is fine mate 

[marcogolfo]

awesome cheers - gonna try and get it to the garage tonight after work when the roads are quiet, get yaself along if ya want i'll be working till ten  maybe if we get it there we could have a pint after?