May need help> 'L', Hagerstown MD

adawil2002

adawil2002

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Uneventful drive today from Plainville, CT to Hagerstown, MD. On our way to The Vintage. Car ran fine all day.

Weather: Sun, drizzle, sun with wet road, torrential rain, light rain, drizzle off and on. First time car has seen in rain or water during my ownership easy to avoid rain at home not possible on this trip, so a few surprises, damp driver floor and behind passenger seat. Fuses and ECU are dry.

Got to the Hotel, checked in, went to dinner on the other side of the Valley Mall parking lot. Car's fine.

After dinner start car, low glowing 'L' as car is running. Wife puts window down a little. As we pull into the parking space she puts window up, 'L' goes to full on.

Checking Alt and Regulator wires for breaks and belt in am.

Need sleep now 11:00pm.

If you're in the area and can lend assistance send pm. Thanks.
 
At best your belt may have gotten wet and is slipping - check tightness.

At worst your alt and or regulator is not liking the newfound wear and tear - any noises from the area? Whine or bearing noise? Do you have a volt meter?

If worst case scenario I have a working alternator/regulator I can overnight you for Fri delivery at a location of your choice - let me know. Good luck.
 
We left Milwaukee late, around 5:30 and are in Indy for the night. Our paths won't even come close, unfortunately. Check the basics, wires, ground strap, belt tension... Call my cell if you'd like to bounce ideas off each other, we'll probably be up around 8 am or so. six five one, 270 - eight one two two
 
A simple test on the original set up

to determine if it's the regulator or alternator is to pull the plug on the voltage regulator. with a piece of wire, paper clip, etc. bridge the blue wire and black wire connection.

Start the engine- if the light goes out it's the regulator. If shining dim or bright then the altenator is bad.
 
FedEx

Andrew, add me to the list of parts chasers. Further, i have a brand new 1 wire alternator which im glad to pull, and fedex to your location, morning delivery. Internal regulator.

[email protected]
Seven eight one, 5 seven six, 0280.

Im home all day. Tom
 
All OK this am, L went out at start.

Thanks for all the replies, support and parts offers.

This am, start the car and 'L' stayed on a little longer than usual then went out as it should. Blaming it on the evil water demon.

Skyline Drive awaits.
 
csi alt

I just talked to him...between several of the 02 brain trust and Andrew, the word is it has to be a csi-specific alternator...is that what you have? If so, his number is 207.three one nine.5653. Looks like they are going to make it to NC, but its still NG.
Thanks for the help,
Dave V. in western NC
 
Seems strange a CSi needs a different alternator. Most go to higher output anyway, is the mounting bracket different?
 
alt

I agree. I don't know...mine are carbies. I told him this afternoon that he could always leave the car with Billy Revis (one of the good guys down here...) and they could drive the 02 back to Maine while the new one is found and repair done, and someone could drive it back later...Maine is nice this time of year, haven't been there in fifteen years...:)
Dave V. in NC
 
Sorry I am just seeing this - the alt I have is the original with the car and is likely just a 55 amp one and not for csi - never heard there was a difference. I can still send it out tomorrow if needed - just email or pm from here and I iwll get the message right away. Or cal me at 5 0 four - 78 two - 3 eight 8 8.
 
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The first thing to do is pull the alternator out and remove the brush holder (2 screws) I've had the brushes get stuck due to years of grunge. If the brushes are still intact you can usually clean the assy up with some brake cleaner and re install it and you'll be good to go.
Good Luck,
DaveG
 
The CSI

used a 55amp vs. the 45 for the CS. Both were externally regulated. It seems the CSI's were susceptable to minor voltage spikes and misfire at slow speeds due to faulty diodes, etc. Shows up as interference on your radio just like a bad plug wire.

They ( 55's) interchange up til 79 with various models; but unfortunately are hard to find- NLA.

Steve- I'd check the numbers on your case to be sure.

I personally like the idea of checking the brushes. I'd only add to do it in a NAPA parking lot where they have all sorts of brushes and show that part still. But that may not be everyone's cup of tea.

If Andrew is still in Hagerstown, there's an electrical shop.

The later alternators with internal regulators are easy to locate. 80 and up. Just dummy the external regulator if originality is an issue.

Wish I could help more.
 
Thanks for all the advice, help and support

We stopped at an Autozone, in Martinsburg WV. Battery test showed 9V, we replaced the 10 year old battery. Alt test showed 14.5V @1000 rpm. Red light still glowing.

Decided to go for it and do our planned route. 2 hours behind schedule. No additional problems. Made it safely to W-S @ 10pm
 
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