Alternator light coming on after low idle kicks in

Ah, the joys of motoring. I was getting ready to load the 323 on the dolly and head out for a track day. Fired it up with no issues and it settled in at a cold idle of around 1500. Went to set up the hitch on the tow car, came back to the 323 and the alternator light was on. Rev the engine, it goes off. Wait a bit or turn off the engine and re-start, the light goes on. Rev and off it goes again.

A couple of days ago when I tried to start it, it was dead. I swapped in another battery and just thought it was due to it not running on a regular basis. Now I'm thinking charging problem. I have a spare alternator, came with the parts package.

Thoughts? Was hoping to carve corners today, not wrench electrical systems.

Thanks,

Jeff

sounds like an alternator to me.

Ok, I have all the bolts out from the alternator, the belt is slipped off, but I still can't get it out, just rocks back and forth. With this alternator there are only two bolts, correct? The bottom pivot and the top lock. I guess I need to lift it up, drop the skid plate, and see if I can see what's hanging it up.

Sounds like BFH time unless you missed a bolt. Lots of alternators have a slight press fit between the tabs of the pivot bolt mount.

Hammer time, I'm pretty sure I didn't miss a bolt.

That worked, new alternator is in. Also changed the belts. Took me way to long to finish, but success. Now to get the old one re-built so I have a spare.

Thanks guys.

J

Bet the brushes were worn down on the old alternator, pull them and take a look. You can replace just the brushes if the armature thing is still in good shape.

The slip rings often need to be cleaned. A little sandpaper works great. Emery(sp) cloth works even better.

And clean your grounds.

Woody wrote: And clean your grounds.

I feel like I should have that on a T-shirt.