electricity problems...

[JimR]

I apologise for jumping on your thread, but can you get brushes anywhere as i think mine may have gone south too, battery shows 13.8v when running but typically after 2 weeks needs recharging. Also can you buy diode packs or is it a new alternator job?

[richandhazel]

The brush/diode pack is one lump that is screwed to the back of the alternator. GSF and Eurocarparts do them. Last set I bought were about £7 but that was some time ago now.

[dabill]

it it the black thing on teh back of the altenator?

if so i'll have a gander...

[richandhazel]

it it the black thing on teh back of the altenator?

if so i'll have a gander...

Yes, should be two screws holding it in. The Haynes manual gives you a minimum length for the brushes.

[dabill]

wow, learn something new everyday, thanks! i'll have a gander...

[richard s]

take car down to chapmans on shalesmoor and they will test it for you and give you a price to recondition it they are really good and i have used them for years
the last time i was down there he said that a lot of stuff newer stuff is coming from china and some of it is not up to much 
so i would rather recon an old unit rather than buy new and he only charges about £30 or £40

[Organisys]

avoid Chinese or Italian alternators. I had one on my mk2 for a total of three days before it got ripped off and launched.
 

[dabill]

mate down at ecp on thingytone rad sorted me  lucas altenator brand new for 50 notes, cant complain, car starts alot better and lights are brighter for some reason...might just be me...