An alternator has a diode pack to prevent drain back from the battery. Yes they can go wrong but can usually be replaced along with the brushes by taking the unit off the back of the alternator, often in situ. Bosch do a solid state regulator that replaces the mechanical one on top of the VW Beetle dynamo. Can be used on other cars that run a Bosch dynamo.
FWIW electronic voltage regulators for alternators are stupidly simple to make, two transistors, a zener diode and a few resistors. Years ago I made one for a friend's car which had a strange and expensive alternator with a vacuum pump on the back of the spindle. In the case of that Dyane it would have been simple to put a solid state in the old housing. I have a few of those isolators, I would suggest that you put a 5 or 10a fuse across the isolator. That way the way you can leave the sidelights on and the stereo does not lose memories, but a fault will take the fuse out. If I park on a main road to go to a restaurant in the evening I ALWAYS leave the lights on. One less excuse for people to hit your car while it is parked,
Had to get a rebuilt alternator for my '65 Corvair. It failed for unknown reasons, wasn't making electricity. The place that sold the alternator highly recommend a new electric regulator. Also that is a really cool color on Dad's car.
Great video Oliver. I might suggest that the alternator ’bushes’ are actually brushes. I had to replace the brushes on Marianne la Dyane as mine had worn to stubs. Local auto electric mechanic had a selection of carbon brushes and we selected the best fit and then a slight trim, solder and voila, a working alternator.
Its time for new battery on my 2cv. After restoration she got one small battery but very strong. And it was good for 10 years no issue. Then I just couldnt find same type, and I had to buy "ordinary" one with 5 years warranty which shorty after that ended, the battery died.
I also checked the connections rather than just put them into the same positions. What is the Pickard opinion of the wireless remote battery isolators?
I should have watched to the end as I can see that your dads car is fitted with an alternator so that is that just a voltage regulator or is it a rectifier also? Dynamos produce DC whereas alterators produce AC.
I have a video installing it on the inside of the footwell and floor which made a big difference but dad went all out and honestly it's diminishing returns at that point but he's really happy with it
@@OliverPickard 14:51 Don't think its Seiko. Can't find one similar. All black chrono with large lumed hands and even numbers except the 6 which looks to have the date in that position. Please ask for me. Thanks.
It's an Omologato which is basically a Seiko in drag. I got it for him as a gift but had some issues due to Brexit and customer service was incredibly unhelpful fortunately the postal service was
@@OliverPickard Nice one. I like it. A new brand for me. I prefer the yellow lume he has to the orange they use now. A very nice present! He's worth it. Thanks
