240 voltmeter-charging

[Greenthumb]

Hello,

My '89 240 does not appear to charge fully when driving with the
lights on. The voltmeter goes slightly to the left. If I turn on the
AC it gets worse.

Sometimes it works fine.

Any clues would be greatly appreciated.

I sure hope it's not the alternator.

Allan Ballard

 

[XYZ]

Get the regulator checked. My son came back from his first solo after
getting his licence and there was a horrible smell. The battery was
boiling. He wanted to pull it out until I explained about boiling sulphuric
acid.

The reg was shot and was putting 17.5V into the battery. No wonder it
died.....

 

[Michael Pardee]

Hello,

My '89 240 does not appear to charge fully when driving with the
lights on. The voltmeter goes slightly to the left. If I turn on the
AC it gets worse.

Sometimes it works fine.

Any clues would be greatly appreciated.

I sure hope it's not the alternator.

Allan Ballard

My guess is: it is the alternator. Specifically, the brushes. I don't know
about the 240, but the alternator used in the 740 has an easily replacable
brush/regulator module ($35 US the last time I bought one). The only warning
I have if you decide to replace or inspect it yourself is to disconnect the
battery first.

Mike