Fortrack starting problems

[THE GRIFF 8]

I have a 'n' reg 2,8 diesel fourtrak.

I had the battery replaced this year and over the last few weeks the battery has been going flat and it won't start.

At 3000 revs it is pushing 13.2v.

I presume it is the alternator that is knackered but after looking for one on the bay I noticed a new one for sale as the seller had bought it and not needed it due to it being the voltage regulator at fault and not the alternator, his was the petrol version so may be different but how do I know for definate it is the alternator that's knackered.

Quick fit said it was the battery and then when I told them it was new they then said it was the alternator so don't have much confidence in them, I could of easily wasted money on a battery if I didn't know it was new.

A new alternator is £158 but I can get a reconditioned one for £90 with a 12 month warrenty.

[hily 380]

check voltage with lights on and heater blower etc if its still making over 13+ volts then alt ok check for battery draining boot light stopping on etc you could test by disconnect battery at night and after connecting back up if it starts ok then you have a drain on the battery hope this is of some help to you.forgot to say just because it was a new battery don't mean its ok have it tested under warranty.

Edited November 27, 2012 by hily

[THE GRIFF 8]

check voltage with lights on and heater blower etc if its still making over 13+ volts then alt ok check for battery draining boot light stopping on etc you could test by disconnect battery at night and after connecting back up if it starts ok then you have a drain on the battery hope this is of some help to you.forgot to say just because it was a new battery don't mean its ok have it tested under warranty.

The battery is only reading about 12.2v with no revs, when I rev it to 3000 revs it slowly creeps up to 13v.

[DANNY.C 20]

sounds like a problem with alternator like mate if it charges more with higher revs . i would also check that all of your earths are still good try conecting a jump lead direct from the battery earth straight to a clean bit of metal on the motor .

[marky r 25]

you sorted it mate? its not a dodgy earth ellse wouldnt crank it would just click. it should be charging more than 12.2v even when sat there ticking with it been an oldish motor( if it was a new motor with a smart charge system itd be understandable) were in the country are you if you not sure theres places you can get alternators tested i dont know how much it costs these days

[dymented 2,220]

charging should be about 13.8+ look at the wires on the alternator with its age there probably worn ( black ) and not shiny copper that will affect the rate of charging big time bud

[THE GRIFF 8]

Update

Got the alternator repaired, the diodes were burnt out. It still wasn't charging properly, it turned out to be the voltage regulater as well and a couple of wires needed replacing.

Cost me £150 in total for the garage to repair the alternator, replace the voltage regulater and a bit of wiring as well as fit it all with a 12 month guarantee.

Tax and test due at the end of the month as well so no doubt more money will have to be spent to get it through its test.