Technical Urgent Help Needed

[Notorious131]

How do I check the alternator is working properly. Car had a flat battery, was charged, fine for a week then flat again, again charged, again fine for aweek then flat. Was checked at ATS who said alternator not producing enough power, but when the mechanic checked it was putting out 12.5 volts with all lights on(full beam, front and rear fog, rear heat' window, fan on full etc... etc...). That souns ok to me? What do you lot think?

 

[custard]

12.5 isnt enough to keep the battery topped up.its needs to pump out 13.5-14v under load.
you can check the belt tension and that the connections are all good and clean.
if no better then its new alternator time really

 

[Hellcat]

I'd imagine you can replace the bushes and the diode packs rather than getting a new altenator.

Might be worth investing in a new battery if you aint got one for the last 4 years.

 

[Notorious131]

cheers for the help chaps. will look into suggestion and try them. just looked at car and now seems fine? what the ???? might just sell it and by a triumph dolomite sprint, easy to repair.
cheers

 

[Hellcat]

I had the same problem on my Tipo. Changed the battery and has had no problems since - even though it stands for long periods of time between starts.