Amazon: Amp light coming on when it shouldn't...

[Jackman]

Glad you got some spares for yours.

Checked mine and it wont even turn another part on the list.

[Derek UK]

Originally Posted by Alf ista

Actually mine had red tape wrapped around it. Is this original? I thought some previous owner stuck it on....

Probably changed it to match the car.............

[222s]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

The external regulator box is usually fitted on the inner wing and looks something like this. The yellow tape is normal and distinctive.



Your alternator maybe un updated version even though it seems to have the same number. The regulator is bolted on the back, sometimes with a ribbed heat sink if it's internal. Do a Google image search for "Bosch alternator regulator" and see if you can see one like yours. Lots of choice!
Can you post a pic which shows the back of yours with the connector?

Mmm - there may be one of these - is it usually mounted horizontally on the crown of the curved section of the inner wing? If so, I had it down as a relay, but I'll have a close look later on.

[Alf ista]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

Probably changed it to match the car.............

mmmmm fancy.....! I wonder does it have a part number! lol

[222s]

It appears that I do indeed have a separate regulator.... always thought that was a relay, as the wiring looks right. It didn't originally have the alternator, so whoever fitted it must have done it properly, & with all the right donor parts.

[Derek UK]

As you've had a B20 fitted the alternator would be standard but the Estate would have had a B18 with dynamo and the chunky Bosch regulator on the curved section of the inner wing close by. 123Gt got an alternator on the same position and fitting as the B20 but had a mounting bar for extra relays and this regulator. This on the vertical section of the inner wing. Normally they get fitted to the Amazon using the original short loom which limits where it can be fitted. Match a Bosch regulator with it's own regulator as I don't think SEV Marchall and Motorola ones work. I believe there is a solid state regulator that will match your alternator. Might be more reliable but they don't often go wrong anyway. Old age doesn't help though.
Solid state? Comments from Ron?

[222s]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

As you've had a B20 fitted the alternator would be standard but the Estate would have had a B18 with dynamo and the chunky Bosch regulator on the curved section of the inner wing close by. 123Gt got an alternator on the same position and fitting as the B20 but had a mounting bar for extra relays and this regulator. This on the vertical section of the inner wing. Normally they get fitted to the Amazon using the original short loom which limits where it can be fitted.

Ah - that makes sense with the location and why the wiring loom looked 'right' rather than bodged / spliced, as the alternator regulator is in pretty much the mirror image position to where the dynamo one would be. Incidentally, I have a 123GT relay board (with loom & relays), so it's good to know that the alternator regulator should fill the missing gap!

[Ron Kwas]

Derek;

I can only help with general info:

1. Alternators ONLY play right with THEIR intended regulators. Don't mix and match unless you want to (and have the info and know-how to engineer the new mongrel system). Hook up using the factory schematics of a vehicle which had that combination as a guide.

2. Solid state regulators are always preferred as they do their sensing and switching with reliable electronics, not mechanicals which can wear and /or go out of adjustment.

3. All connectors, and connections including mountings (which also serve as electrical connections to chassis) of the charging system should be CLEAN AND TIGHT...no excuses! (has anyone located a source for ACZP on that side of the Atlantic yet?

That's about all the (not so) grand wisdom I can add...Cheers!

[Derek UK]

Hi Ron
1. Yes, as I mentioned match the make of alternator with its own regulator.

2. I suspect it will be difficult to find a solid state regulator for use with the SEV and Motorola Alternators but there might be a universal one out there somewhere. A Bosch one gets a mention now and then on BB etc but no one has posted a part number. That's what we need. Anyone?

3. I've found a supplier for Penetrox but they only do the 8oz bottle, not the smaller applicator bottle or the sachets. The stuff is used on aerial grounding plates. The UK agent can supply, expensive at about $45 delivered, but they do supply all of their products to an electrical factor close to me. Maybe I should get a bottle and re sell it in small pots. An 8oz bottle would last 10 people for ever if used for "our" purposes.

[TomTom]

Is "BICON BX1-225 Electrical Joint Compound" the same stuff. This seems to be for sale for about £11.

Tom