when the fan is off then I have a good healthy 12 to 13 volts, good oil pressure and temp. When the fan is set at speed 1 or 2 then all is OK but when I select the speed 3 then the oil pressure and voltage guages drop and the oil temp goes up. It's a definate step change. I am not too worried, it's just a characteristic of the car :tup:

"healty 12-13v" :lol: :lol: It isn't "characteristic of the car", it is dying alternator. Heatly is 14-14,5v. Check that your voltmeter shows what is really happening there [my volltmeter, for example, shows 0,5v below voltage on battery, I don't know, is that voltage drop in wiring harness or voltmeter error].

for the less than 3 thousand miles a year she does, in the daytime and dry, I am happy with 12 to 13 volts :lol::lol: As long as she goes, stops and everything works, thats fine by me for now :rock:

Yeah, and once u will stop somewhere in the middle of the road just because alternator will stop working at all so battery will discharge and ignition will not run...
U have only one problem - nice prices to change some parts. I replaced 4 parts that wears out in alternator by spending some 6 lvl [about 8 pounds] for parts - but because I had access to hydraulic press and pneumatic pistol, without them it's impossible. Just check real voltage, alternator bearings and voltage regulator - by yourself, of course. If it's only voltage regulator, it will cost u much much less than trailer.

I have recovery included in my insurance so no worries about stopping somewhere and paying a trailer fee :moon:

Seriously though, the advice is appreciated and to be sure I will check her our when I am next under the bonnet :tup:

I hope u know how to do it.

she goes into the garage in a couple of weeks for a service and tune so I'll get her checked then

I especially for Emjay today took this photo :) Well, that's healty voltage - gauge shows correctly, there is only 0,25v drop in on board electrics, on battery is slightly above 14v.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4379/pulkstenji.jpg

They're the wrong way round :lol:
(i know, its a left hooker)

thanks MSH, mine does read a bit lower so will get it checked out :tup: