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'78 Brat - Charging/Not Charging

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Finally purchased a volt meter (extremely cheap one) to get to the bottom of the not charging issue.

 

Tested the battery with engine NOT running = 13V (I had charged it fully a couple weeks ago)

Tested the battery with engine at idling         = 12V

Tested the battery with engine under load    = 12V to 13V

 

Never went above 13V

 

Do you all think I should go straight to replacing the alternator?

 

 

 

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Author

After getting some suggestions on a Brat/Brumby facebook page I took the instrument panel out (it was suggested a burned out "charge" light would not allow the alternator to function correctly). 

 

THERE WAS NO LIGHT AT ALL. So I switched one from the "oil" to "charge". This made no difference -- still no charge. 

 

So, I did what any normal guy would do ---- Replaced the alternator with a fresh rebuilt. NOW IT CHARGES. I was going to let it idle a while to be sure but, alas, blew the lower radiator hose.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

As to the instrument panel lights -- they ALL seem to be on ALL the time now. Any ideas why? And, what to do 'bout it? 

 

Plus, any ideas where to get the smaller of the lights and sockets for the instrument panel? The larger (1/2") ones are readily available on eBay.

Edited by CMJAnew

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