Battery not charging on a mu

[Milky]

Hi all

Working on a friends mu (I think they're an amigo overseas) the 2.8l turbo diesel one. The alternator light came on and the battery isn't charging.

The 10a charge fuse is intact. Can't seem to find the right relay to swap the charge relay (it's a weird pattern), to check that. Will try the dealer through the week.

I got a replacement alternator from the wreckers. Was a real mission getting the damned thing out through the front and the guard. Have installed the replacement one. Still only get 12.5ish volts at the battery with it running. (same as at the alternator).

Going to get an auto sparkie to check whether both alternators are stuffed but this must be a pretty big coincidence.

Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Cheers Taylor

[turnturn]

The Charge relay is normally a different colour than the other relays. Blue, I think, on the 2.8's.

[Milky]

yeah it is blue. its got more pins than a normal relay. Repco didnt have one or know what it was. would holden have it?

do these commonly go? i hope i haven't pulled the whole thing apart for nothing ... at least i can return the alternator if this is the case

edit: if it helps the timing light, fuel light and alternator lights are all on (everything except oil). when i pull the blue relay and start it only the oil lights on, then goes out straight away

[turnturn]

Milky, I'm no electrical expert but it looks like the charge relay is playing up to me.
It should be easy enough to get and they are often on Trademe.
Also any decent auto electrician should have one or be able to get one.

[Milky]

Cheers. Going to auto sparkie after work. Will let you know the outcome

[Milky]

Auto sparkie said both the old alternator and relay are stuffed. Apparently if the alternator goes the relay dies straight away. If the relay goes the alternator burns out. The fuse must just be there for sh#ts and giggles.

Pulled the replacement alternator back out and auto sparkie will check that one. Otherwise back to the wreckers for another one. Will get that tested before it goes in. New. Relay is 38+gst.

I'll let you know if this works out. Thanks for the help mate

[mudslinger]

since you had gone to all the effort of puttin alt in i would've changed the relay before pulling out cos if it startd to charge you wouldnt haver had to pull it out again.

[Milky]

Thought of the relay once it was already out unfortunately. The old alt and relay are both stuffed so it wasn't all in vain.

Took me 10min to drop it back out with radiator out so that's something I guess.

Auto sparkie said he's done lots of them and it's a horrible job.

[Milky]

Double post sorry

[turnturn]

Yep, there's not too many Isuzu owners that look forward to working on an alternator...........

[mudslinger]

i have a high mounted one so its no issue anymore

[Milky]

Replacement alternator is good. Got a new relay so will put it all back together on sat.

Thanks heaps for the help guys,

[Milky]

All back together charging sweet. Thanks everyone