86 gt coupe

betmasterx · 14-04-08, 07:45 AM

hi

I am having trouble with my 86 gt coupe

It doesnt seem to be charging, if you drive at night with your lights on, they fade away, the battery get s completely drained!

i have had the alternator refurbished, i also put a new dash bulb in (the battery one)

Are there any further tests i can make to try to eliminate this problem???

Thanks

Octanejunkie · 14-04-08, 09:47 AM

Is the alternator definately pukka? Its not unheard of for new/refurbished parts to fail. Failing that it seems like you have a wiring fault. Trace all wires back from the alternator and use a multimeter to check for continuity at connectors and joins, and make sure they're all sound. Also have a good sniff round all your earth points.
When you run the engine, carefully check for 14 or so volts at the back of the alternator. Then check at the battery. If its good at the alternator, you know the wirings dicky.
Good luck!

betmasterx · 14-04-08, 11:07 AM

the 2 points coming from the back of the alternator, is this a live and an earth? should the regulator be putting out 14v at these 2 points, even if i disconnect the 2 wires?

thanks

Octanejunkie · 14-04-08, 01:04 PM

For a good earth, use something you know to be good. An exposed bolt head or something.
Also, if you suspect a wiring fault, the thick cable from the alternator should run pretty much straight to the battery positive, this carries the charge that the alternators making to the battery so check its continuity. You will need to leave the other wires connected i think in order for the engine to run. Try disconnecting stuff and see if it will run. The idea is you are trying to elimanate what is faulty. Before disconnecting anything though, have a good buzz round with a multimeter on all the cables and see what readings you get.

betmasterx · 14-04-08, 02:35 PM

ill try this later

on a different note.

The engine is idling too fast, and when you turn the ignition off after a drive, the engine runs on for a bit (or at least it tries)

now i have been told thatthe timing needs set, i have a timing light, but can you guys tell me hoew this is done. I know that moving the distributor adjusts the timing, just not sure where it should be set at?????????

betmasterx · 17-04-08, 07:38 AM

turns out it was the alternator

Replaced that, working fine now as far as i know, its putting the volts on the battery from 12v when not started, to 13.8volts when running. i need to try this tonight, driving, with lights working etc!

Thanks for the help guys

ps, cant get the timing set because the carb mount is split, and letting air in which in turn is leaving the engine running too fast

Thanks

Octanejunkie · 19-04-08, 11:08 PM

Well done sir.

14-04-08, 09:47 AM	#2
Octanejunkie Grown up member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Clevedon, North Somerset Posts: 293	Is the alternator definately pukka? Its not unheard of for new/refurbished parts to fail. Failing that it seems like you have a wiring fault. Trace all wires back from the alternator and use a multimeter to check for continuity at connectors and joins, and make sure they're all sound. Also have a good sniff round all your earth points. When you run the engine, carefully check for 14 or so volts at the back of the alternator. Then check at the battery. If its good at the alternator, you know the wirings dicky. Good luck!

14-04-08, 11:07 AM	#3
betmasterx Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7	the 2 points coming from the back of the alternator, is this a live and an earth? should the regulator be putting out 14v at these 2 points, even if i disconnect the 2 wires? thanks

14-04-08, 01:04 PM	#4
Octanejunkie Grown up member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Clevedon, North Somerset Posts: 293	For a good earth, use something you know to be good. An exposed bolt head or something. Also, if you suspect a wiring fault, the thick cable from the alternator should run pretty much straight to the battery positive, this carries the charge that the alternators making to the battery so check its continuity. You will need to leave the other wires connected i think in order for the engine to run. Try disconnecting stuff and see if it will run. The idea is you are trying to elimanate what is faulty. Before disconnecting anything though, have a good buzz round with a multimeter on all the cables and see what readings you get.

14-04-08, 02:35 PM	#5
betmasterx Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7	ill try this later on a different note. The engine is idling too fast, and when you turn the ignition off after a drive, the engine runs on for a bit (or at least it tries) now i have been told thatthe timing needs set, i have a timing light, but can you guys tell me hoew this is done. I know that moving the distributor adjusts the timing, just not sure where it should be set at?????????

17-04-08, 07:38 AM	#6
betmasterx Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7	turns out it was the alternator Replaced that, working fine now as far as i know, its putting the volts on the battery from 12v when not started, to 13.8volts when running. i need to try this tonight, driving, with lights working etc! Thanks for the help guys ps, cant get the timing set because the carb mount is split, and letting air in which in turn is leaving the engine running too fast Thanks

19-04-08, 11:08 PM	#7
Octanejunkie Grown up member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Clevedon, North Somerset Posts: 293	Well done sir.