Alternator Repair/new

[Will Eastman 6]

Hey just been out to check the car after having abit of trouble with the headlights dimming when off the revs. Turns out i have about 12v, then 18v when engine running. This is a tad high to say the least, so guessing the alternator regulator has broken here. Have been looking around and alternators seem to be abit pricey at £70 ish. How easy is it going to be to replace the regulator myself, if so would this be the right regulator...http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PEUGEOT-205-309-405-ALTERNATOR-VOLTAGE-REGULATOR-NEW-/250993948213?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a7067b635#ht_61000wt_952

Or should I just get second hand off here?

Also with the car as it is will it fail its MOT on wednesday for overcharging or will this not be a problem??

 

Cheers

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Replace the alternator

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

Do not use it as is, overcharging the battery to 18v could have severe consequences e.g. The battery could explode or catch fire!

[Will Eastman 6]

So should I just buy second hand or try and replace the regulator on this battery, if i do go second hand am I ok to just use an 8v alt, as iv got mix messages about this.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

The regulator is part of the alternator not the battery - in the old days you could replace the regulator quite easily.

 

Now days it seems the only way is to fix a regulator is to replace the alternator as it comes as a complete unit, either by brand new or known working second hand.

 

Do not drive or run the engine you car until this is repaired.

[Will Eastman 6]

Thanks for the help guys, as a last ditch effort I went out today and tryed a different battery, this worked fine and read 14.5V when running, then I popped the old battery back in and it read 14.5V so all seems fine. Any idea why it was playing up and now working? Do you think the alternator is just faulty and on its way out?

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Yes. Do you know what an alternator does and how to test it?

 

[Will Eastman 6]

Yeh I thought so, I charges the battery, to test it i thought you just test volts across the battery??

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Yep test it with the engine running loaded and unloaded, you should get around 13.4 volts.

 

Buy a new alternator!