MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Bosch Alternator at 18 volts

Converted the car to a Bosch alternator and recently noticed really bright headlights...it's putting out 18.3 volts..any suggestions or, is it toast and time for the warranty replacement?

rn
RN Lipow

Ouch! Should only be 14.5v irrespective of max current capacity. Warranty time, I think.
Paul Hunt

I'd also check to see if your multimeter is reading a bit high.
I have had trouble in the past with "Made in the PRC," VOM's.

Still, I'd have to concur with Paul, if in fact the 18.3 V was a
good reading. Bye the way, I have a Bosch unit on my 79'B
and love it.
Andrew in Austin

Andrew,

No, the meter checks out (tested it on a battery) and, it's manufactured in the States

I'm off to the part's store, alternator and receipt in hand...

thanks all.

rn
RN Lipow

The replacement alternator has yet to arrive and the weather was so fine that I decided to go for a spin...hooked up the multimeter and noticed that the 18volt condition exists just after start up and promptly switches to 13-14.7 volts and hovers around 13.2 volts with headlights on.

what do you think? this ok?

rn
RN Lipow

RN,

I'm reading 13.4 - 13.5 volts with the headlights on.
By the way, I have a funky VOM.

Hope this helps,
Andrew in Austin

RN - sounds most odd, and still incorrect.
Paul Hunt

well, i thinks i'm going 63 amp delco...this is the second rebuilt bosch in the car and, it's just not worth screwing with it again, warranty or not

rn
RN Lipow

Interesting to me as I have so far not had trouble with the rebuilt Bosch in my 68. It has been on for about 3 yrs now.

However, I have been made aware since posting my original site for the Bosch conversion that there are several different rebuilders out there, and perhaps they aren't all equal?

RN,
if you know the rebuilder for your two bad units, you might be doing the other Bosch users a favor by posting who they are so that the rest of us can steer clear of them.

Paul, et al:
My Bosch unit reads right at 14.7V at idle, no lights on. 14.5V at idle with lights. 14.5V at 2000 rpm, lights or no lights on. These are Halogen lamps. FWIW
Bob Muenchausen

Box says Westling Manufacturing.

rn
RN Lipow

Thanks, RN, that is good info for anyone with one from them or anyone looking for one. I will post on my site. Thank you.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 26/01/2002 and 31/01/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.