|
|
Post by tony105 on Feb 4, 2011 20:22:57 GMT
Hi Roger again,,,,
I am in the process of putting my Automatic Mini Mayfair back on the road.
As the car has stood for some time the battery keeps going flat, however I wonder if it may be advisable to upgrade the alternator - for two reasons - currently the car makes a clicking sound when I try to start it which leads me to think that the alternator is faulty, and secondly I wonder if a stronger alternator may be better suited to potential upgrades such as a better CD player, 12 volt sat nav power point etc?
I would welcome any advice on this including what type and where to source a recommended alternator.
My Mini is a 1996 Mayfair single point injection.
|
|
|
|
Post by clambod on Feb 5, 2011 8:17:52 GMT
I'd check what voltage there is at the battery when it's running and when the engine is offf. It should be about 13.5 to 14.5 volts when running and about 12 to 12.5 volts when not. Any less than 13.5 volts when running it's not charging and a new alternator would be required. If the voltage at the battery, when the engine is off, is less than 12 it would suggest that the battery is on it's way. A standard alternator should be enough for what you need.
|
|
|
|
Post by asahartz on Feb 5, 2011 11:05:16 GMT
Echoed. The alternator on a '96 car should be up to anything normal you can throw at it. A clicking when you try to start it is not the alternator, more likely the starter solenoid.
What battery do you have fitted? If a standard size battery, there's your first move - fit a nice big battery, 075 or 068 - I fit these to all my Minis and they always turn the engine over. The one in Evy the Clubby has been known to turn the engine over and start even when the car has been stood unused for 6 months!
|
|
|
|
Post by tony105 on Feb 5, 2011 11:11:14 GMT
Many thanks for the responses. I replaced the battery with a standard one from a well known motor retailers, however this is the one that keeps going flat. It was actually replaced about two years ago and has gone flat (whilst standing unused on the drive) many times.
I hadn't considered the starter solenoid.
I will keep you posted.
Cheers, Roger.
|
|
|
|
Post by asahartz on Feb 6, 2011 16:19:37 GMT
I replaced the battery with a standard one from a well known motor retailers, however this is the one that keeps going flat. You mean an 038 from Halfords? Yes, I had that trouble too. I've never fitted an 038 since! 075 in whatever brand my local factor has in stock is my battery of choice. |
|
|
|
Post by kalkat on Feb 7, 2011 22:53:20 GMT
It might also be an idea to check for any current drain while the car is stood.
Emma
|
|
|
|
Post by tony105 on Feb 8, 2011 18:43:10 GMT
Hi all,
Just an update on the Alternator. I've had the Mini looked at today and all systems were tested; it seems that the battery is beyond saving and the alternator is in ned of replacement. I have looked on line, and the average price for a replacement alternator is around £60 - does anyone know where I may source one at a lower cost? Many thanks, - Roger.
|
|
|
|
Post by asahartz on Feb 8, 2011 21:14:35 GMT
Is this any good? MinisparesFor something like that I'd generally try my local factor first as it saves the shipping cost, but they're not all as old-car friendly as the ones near me! |
|
|
|
Post by clambod on Feb 9, 2011 14:47:05 GMT
That's a good price from minispares and no exchange.
|
|
|
|
Post by tony105 on Feb 9, 2011 20:47:09 GMT
Thank you for that Asahartz, - that looks a great price, I will contact them SAP just to be sure it's the model I need for a 1.3i. I hadn't spotted that when I looked at their site. - Cheers, Roger.
|
|
