Practically Classics Forum

TerryG wrote:Have you checked to see if there is any voltage getting to the exciter? if that is fused, it may have blown.

Oh gawd, don't start talking to Rich about exciters.....

If your alternator was a basic Lucas one I would say it is the "little terminal" but assuming yours has a multi-plug with at least 3 wires, you would need to check your wiring diagram to find which colour it is (or just test all of them with your meter on volts. As well as the thick charging cable, one of them should show battery voltage with the ignition on).

havent got a meter... will a test lamp do?

Yes, but don't forget to connect it between an ignition switched positive and the exciter terminal, NOT between earth and there.
Connected that way, it should extinguish the lamp once the engine starts.

the car is now up in the air again, ive done a test & the battery is not charging... ive checked the connections & stiil nothing. its a new alternator.. ill try the method you suggest tomorrow john
this is what ive found on the web...
http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic. ... f5d73adf91

Just a quick summary of the options assuming the alternator is good.
Check all the fuses and fusible links. According to the internet "there are several fusible links in the luggage compartment fuse block. the plastic ones at the top are rated at 30, 40, and 120 amp. they have a clear top so you can see inside of them"
If there is a fault with the exciter circuit then if you know which the exciter terminal is then a quick jump between it and the main terminal should start it charging.
To test the circuit if you have a test lamp put it between earth and the exciter terminal, it should illuminate when you turn the ignition on.

It may well do so, but it will stay on and that won't start it charging, which is why the warning lamp should be connected between the exciter terminal and an ignition switched positive.

cheers chaps.. wish me luck..
need to top the engine oïl up any suggestions as to which is suitable..

well i tried a few things & nothing was conclusive so i took the new alternator off & got it tested, & the diode had popped....... any ideas as to what may cause this or is it my bad luck???

My guess would me a manufacturing defect and you are having a run of "bad luck" with your car.