argh! stupid 340!

[scratterdan]

i just picked up my new 1.7 340 last night only to break down on the motorway
the headlights went really bright then died. and it wouldnt start.
the battery was steaming and boiling!
could this be the altenator overcharging the battery?
help.

[jon-ovlov]

to be fair, either way youll need a new battery! once thats done, grab a voltmetre and test the connection between alternator and battery terminals, reading should be around 13.5V. if over or under by a lot, new alternator is needed. chances are battery is just nakerd.

[scratterdan]

just fitted a new one mate and it did exactly the same thing. within 30mins the battery was overflowing.

[jon-ovlov]

itll most likley be the alternator then. fit another battery an TEST BEFORE YOU DRIVE IT. dont drive it unntil youve confirmed the voltage from the alternator. running on idle for 5 mins whil
e you test the connection shouldnt harm it. if ib doubt, turn it off.

silly question, but you sure the terminal leads are the right way round? steel braided one is negative, encased is positive, at least on a 1.4 engine. think its the same on 1.7.

other than that, somethings shorting the circuit.

[scratterdan]

yea the terminals are the correct way round
jus ordered an altenator so will b with me in an hour or 2.
fingers crossed this will sort it.
dan

[MCHUDD]

Hi mate.
How about the voltage regulater in the alternater.
That was what solved my boiling battery problem a while back.
Cheers Mark.

[scratterdan]

is that part of the alternator?
ive got a new one on order (bargain)
dan

[scratterdan]

right folks it is the voltage regulator on the back.
its charging at over 17v
where can i get one of these from.
dan

[MCHUDD]

Hi mate.
Look up auto spark [car electrics in the yellow pages] for a local one.
They will be able to sort you out.
Cheers Mark.