jpitman2

As well as the belt job, also fitted a NEW alternator. Looks exactly same as old except not badged Valeo - long bolts for the shroud etc. Pretty sure I didnt damage the wires in the process, but now find I have a 10A drain as soon as ignition goes on. No smoke visible, no smells. Briefly see 16A while the pump primes, then back to 10A. 14pin is clean, disconnecting it doesnt change the drain.
Is there an easy way (short of fully removing it) to check if its the alternator? Can I pull the top bolt and swing it clear on the lower bolt so I can remove the rear cover and get at the connections? If I see continuity between big stud and body then there i a problem inside isnt there?
jp 83 Euro S AT 57k

dr bob

Lift the primary connection by the 14-pin so the CE panel is isolated. Still have the drain? Lift the smaller wires that attach to the battery positive terminal. Still have the drain? If you still have the drain after those two disconnections, it's either the alternator or the starter. If the drain went away when you disconnected the jump-post connection, it isn't the alternator or starter. Ditto the smaller connections at battery positive.

Kiln_Red

What is the current draw with the ignition off?

jpitman2

Drain fully off was <10ma. Accessory 1A after radio initalized, dropped to 220ma after radio off. Disconnecting the 14pin didnt change anything - wouldnt expect loss of excitation lead to change alternator behaviour if there was an internal problem.
Based on a local suggestion, pulled the coil feed - dropped to 4.5A including 1A for radio. I think thats probably OK generally - ie, nothing major is draining. Big fat spark when brushing coil wire on the post. Tell me again why the coil needs 2 M8 bolts to hold it in place please!
Going to have a strong coffee, and give it a crank soon.

Update - it runs fine (lots of pump prime runs so it started immediately), and gives 14.65V at the hot post! The cam timing must be OK, sound just like a bought one!

Lesson learned - DONT leave ignition on for any length of time to do testing - apart from battery drain I suspect it wont do the coil any good.

thanks
jp 83 Euro S AT 57k

Jason89s4

And ballast resistor(s) are sturdy, but can only take the ignition on without running for so long.
-Jason