| Author | Message | ||
     Arthur Kliman (Akliman) New Member Username: Akliman Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
As some of you may have read, I was driving our 96 D1 this past January on a morning that was about minus 4 degree F. I was taking my son back to college after the holiday break. The car had been left outside overnight. It started hard, but started. I left it warming up for over 45 minutes while we packed. We had only proceeded about 30 miles when first the tach failed then other electrical gauges failed. Although we turned around, we didn't make it back home before the car died. We were in the break down lane of route 2 for about an hour before AAA picked us up. This is when I discovered the difference between regular AAA and AAA Plus. The difference being 3 miles of towing covered vs 100. After our $99 tow, we transferred to another car (Honda civic LX) and made the trip with no problems. I'll highlight the rest of the story including what I found. * Tested battery and determined it was dead. Replaced it with a new one from Autozone * Found out that warning light in dash, which did not light, will prevent alternator from charging if burned out. Removed and tested - was OK * Removed and tested alternator - tested dead. * Determined new from dealer was $469, from Nathan (http://www.discountbritishparts.com/) OE new with no core was $335, rebuilts were $200+ and people didn't recommend. * I was determined to find out what failed and repair - with research I found Transpo http://www.transpo-usa.com/index.html manufactured an aftermarket regulator - IX 123 to replace the Magneti Marelli part ( RTM 153 A/B). I purchased this for $30 from a local distributor. OE available from http://www.roverconnection.com/ for $50. * Installed and tested bad - called transpo and they suggested going to a local rebuilder (their distributor's customers) who would have a regulator tester. * Looked in yellow page under alternator and found Hub Automotive Rebuilders - 91 Turnpike Rd # 8, Ipswich, MA - 978-356-2996 * Really nice people. They tested my unit, determined it was one bad diode. He normally carries the Rectifier Bridge for that alternator because he rebuilds them for the area Land Rover dealer. He charges a flat $150 to rebuild your unit - that included a complete replacement of all internal parts. * Because he didn't have a new bridge, while I waited, he took one off a used unit he had on the shelf, tested it, sandblasted and put in my unit. Unit test fine. Total charge - $30. * I installed in vehicle - all gauges now work and everything seems ok. * I recommend Hub Automotive for anyone who needs service. Call and talk to Joe. I'm sure he'll ship When I described to Joe what happened the day the Alternator failed, he told me exactly what happened. With a weak battery the alternator was working hard to charge it. When we drove with heater, radio etc on, the weak battery caused the alternator to overheat, eventually burning out the diode. In the overcharge mode the indicator light does not come on, only in the low charge mode, so there was no warning. When it failed, it took out the regulator, which prevented the indicator light from coming on. Lesson learned here. You really need a gauge to determine status of charging system. |
