My 1986 VDP intermittently overcharges. No rhyme or reason, but, does seem to be affected at times by a change in RPM. It eventually resolves itself, but, I am afraid of frying something. The car has 72K on the clock. I am a Jag owner for about a year. Great car. Great forum.

In advnace, thanks.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 21:13

Edited on 2010-07-07 21:14:24

You didn't ask but here are a couple tips on alternator removal. Others might chime in because everyone sorta has their own favorite method.

1) You'll have to shift the anti-roll bar out of the way. Disconnect the end links at the top. Loosen the right bar-to-frame bracket. Remove the left bar-to-frame bracket. The frame brackets can be unbolted from above, via the engine bay, with a long exstension

2) Use a 1/4" drive socket set for removing the alternator mount bolts. Some replace the two short pivot/mount bolts with a single longer bolt. That's up to you.

3) There are some cooler lines clamped to the front of the crossmember. This may have to be shifted aside a bit. Scrape away clumps of dirts to reveal the screws for the hold dwon clamps

4) The heavy alternator output wires runs along the lower fender well and goes to a junction stud on the firewall near the brake booster. Remove the wire from the stud and remove the clamps that hold the wire to the fender well. The wire will now be free and you'll now have the slack needed to lower the alternator with the wire attached so it (the wire) can be more easily removed from the back of the alternator

Cheers
DD

Submitted by drpalacio@bend… on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 20:53

Thanks all for the propmt and useful replies. I take it the voltage regulator is inside the alternator. Not my primary driver so I can take my time with it. I'll let you know how it turns out. Other than belts, anything I should think of while I'm there? Thanks again, Peter.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 12:58

Before removing anything check the battery, a good battery should hold at about 13V, off charge. then, disconnect the coil and turn the engine over, the V should not drop below 11V. Bad cells can cause erratic readings.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 08:33

Sounds like a voltage regulator problem to me. You can replace the alternator with a new or rebuilt unit, or take it to a local rebuilder, or open it up and repair it yourself if you are so inclined.

If you are going to remove the alternator yourself we can give you some tips. It's a little tricky.

Cheers
DD