Club 80-90 Forums

937carrera wrote:Now, I really don't like the Kwik Fit school of engineering, but rather than get an auto electrician why not just swap the voltage regulator - £8.36 + delivery

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/voltage-re ... 14-5v.html

Only two screws to remove / replace it.

Take your old one out and put a photo up if you like.

My worry would be that an auto electrician might recommend a whole new alternator.

That's sounds like good advice. The alternator is about 7 years old, though?

Some of 'em will be 30 years old, same replacement stuff

You're going to find ownership expensive unless you develop a bit of knowledge to do basic repairs

937carrera wrote:Some of 'em will be 30 years old, same replacement stuff

You're going to find ownership expensive unless you develop a bit of knowledge to do basic repairs

That's very true.

Yes, easy to swap out the brush pack / regulator, BUT first before you order anything you need to carry out two visual checks ....
1. Is the blue thin wire attached to the alternator and not damaged in the engine bay ( the thin blue wire is the cherge trigger , if it’s not making connection the alternator does nothing )
2. Make sure you have a alternator that has a replaceable brush pack , the cheap replacements don’t , if it is a "ATXbrand " it maybe won’t have that option . You should have a sticker on it declaring its origin .

If it is a replaceable brush pack it’s ten mins and a Phillips screwdriver job .

Thanks, that's really helpful.

Erm... would I have to take the alternator off to do this?

No, but you will have to remove the engine cover

937carrera wrote:No, but you will have to remove the engine cover

Looked at a couple of youtube guides and they remove the alternator. Just askin' like.

Mocki wrote: If it is a replaceable brush pack it’s ten mins and a Phillips screwdriver job .

Easier and quicker to physically look at the van first

there is no need to remove the alternator , that the trouble with youtube, everyone wants to be a moviestar and over dramatises stuff...

937carrera wrote:

Mocki wrote: If it is a replaceable brush pack it’s ten mins and a Phillips screwdriver job .

Easier and quicker to physically look at the van first

he will still actually need a screwdriver......

I did actually stick my head in the engine bay - wish someone had told me it was at the back and not the front . There's a big oily lump in there which I assume is the engine and I used Mocki's photo to identify the alternator. Why can't all the parts have labels on them like "distributor here!" or "Hey, I'm the Carburetor!". That would make life much easier. The blue wire is connected so I'll send for the part and have a go.

Thanks again!

Freddievan wrote:... Why can't all the parts have labels on them like "distributor here!" or "Hey, I'm the Carburetor!". That would make life much easier...

You're not the first.

Bit like this? From the Wiki. An invaluable source. Follow the link at the top.