low volts after start until throttle blip

[*ZenithalRavage*]

Hello dewds!!

Ever since I owned the car, the voltmeter only shows about 8 volts directly after starting. A little blip of the throttle makes it jump to the normal 13 volts, no probs until next start.
If I turn on wipers before blip they go slowwww, if I turn on headlights before blip they are dulllll...
My original battery went dead a couple of months ago and I replaced it with a new one but symtoms haven't gone...

Any idea if this is normal, and if it isn't, what could be faulty?

thx guys

[S2 Ant]

The alternators on cars dont start to charge fully until the car is revved beyond a certain RPM. May just be that on start up your car doesnt get to this figure, i believe on my Mk1 it was meant to be 1300 or 1500rpm before fully running after that if it drops below it doesnt make any difference, its like a on switch i would guess

I've experienced before with an old alternator and this figure has risen to about 3k before it started to charge correctly....

May just be that the alternator is getting on a bit....

[porkkis]

Ant, close but not quite so. ZR's problem is dead voltage regulator or its brushes.

Alternators start to work when revved even if the regulator is dead.

The part is cheap so replacing is more than adviced to do. Next on my list too.

[porkkis]

One other thing: if the battery warning bulb is not functional the situation is the same as a dead regulator as the bulb circuit is used to enable the regulator somehow.

[*ZenithalRavage*]

hmmm interesting stuff guys, thx

.. and uhm, where can I find this regulator thingy :wacked:

[porkkis]

The regulator is on the alternator, back side, black small unit bolted on with 2 philips heads.

[*ZenithalRavage*]

Originally posted by porkkis
The regulator is on the alternator, back side, black small unit bolted on with 2 philips heads.

Ok, I'll check it out pretty soon thx porkkis

[martinjs]

mine does this too, ive heard a few other people have had the same problem also.
been like it for 18 months:wacked:

[dan_b]

yes I've noticed this too in the last two months or so.

How easy is it to change the regulator??

[porkkis]

Perhaps possible to do alternator in the car but probably easier if you take it out first.

1) disconnect battery
2) disconnect alternator wires
3) remove alternator
or 3) unbolt the regulator with very short screwdriver

On aircon models the first option '3' is probably a must.

Brushes have springs and the regu might need a bit manouvering out but it's not attached any other way than with those two bolts.

Put new one in taking care the brushes go right. There is a white plastic thing in the alternator that has a hole where the brushes go.

Refitting the Haynes way