20 replies to this topic

[cooper1275]

i think the alternator on my 91 mini cooper spi is about to go. i have voltometer(?) dial on my dash and every time i switch on the heater fan and the heated rear windscreen i can see the power dropping off from the 13 mark very quickly. this means i usually just have one or the other on at any time im stuck in traffic.

i figure its the alternator as i have been driving around without my weather sheild (stupid this time of year i know!) and i have done a few long rainy trips from galway to dublin without it. The last time i was driving back to galway i noticed the amber ignition light kept coming on and off when i was driving aswell. In fairness the car did get drenched to the point that the auxillary fan refused to turn off even tho i had removed my keys. i ended up disconnecting the battery and left her for a few days in the inside car park away from nature. when i reconnected the battery everything seemed fine but now the auxillary fan turns on and off with the key. the fan was pre set before and came on and off by itself.

I figure il have to fit a switch to manually overide the fan now?

The main question i have tho is which alternator should i buy the 45 amp or a 70 amp?
Does it make a diiference which one i fit?

[daemonchild]

i think the alternator on my 91 mini cooper spi is about to go. i have voltometer(?) dial on my dash and every time i switch on the heater fan and the heated rear windscreen i can see the power dropping off from the 13 mark very quickly. this means i usually just have one or the other on at any time im stuck in traffic.

i figure its the alternator as i have been driving around without my weather sheild (stupid this time of year i know!) and i have done a few long rainy trips from galway to dublin without it. The last time i was driving back to galway i noticed the amber ignition light kept coming on and off when i was driving aswell. In fairness the car did get drenched to the point that the auxillary fan refused to turn off even tho i had removed my keys. i ended up disconnecting the battery and left her for a few days in the inside car park away from nature. when i reconnected the battery everything seemed fine but now the auxillary fan turns on and off with the key. the fan was pre set before and came on and off by itself.

I figure il have to fit a switch to manually overide the fan now?

The main question i have tho is which alternator should i buy the 45 amp or a 70 amp?
Does it make a diiference which one i fit?

70 Amp: http://www.minispare.....2070AMP 198...
45 Amp: http://www.minispare...=... NEW WITH...

70 amp is about 60 quid, 45 amp is about 42.

I'm upgrading to a 70 amp (it should be sitting by my desk at work along with some other goodies tomorrow!)
I'm planning on running four extra lights, halogen conversion, radio and/or CB (both fitted).
I recon I'll need the juice - do you have extras?

[Darkscamp]

i have uprated all my alternators to the 70amp ones now, you never know when you might want that extra bit of power. i started off with just standard electrics on an spi i was playing with but soon found myself adding electric windows and stuff. worth planning ahead and getting the 70amp just incase

Edited by Darkscamp, 05 February 2009 - 10:51 PM.

[biggav]

get an XR2i one from a scrap yard. should be on the shelf for £10, bolts straight on.

[tommy13]

You mention amber ignition light, are you sure this is not the oil pressure light as ign/alternator lights are usually red.

[clubman katie B.F]

can't see no windows on the scamp pete....never mind electric ones lol!!!!! )

[Darkscamp]

can't see no windows on the scamp pete....never mind electric ones lol!!!!! )

they're stealth ones that cover the whole cockpit(they hide under the seats when not in use), i only put them up when no-ones looking otherwise i'd never get any sympathy after a long journey like smd if people knew. lol

[yeti21586]

how do you no what alternator you have??? as in how many amps it is?


YetI

[minimotor_JD]

I upgraded to a 70amp alternator from a 45amp and it works great !, I did notice the charge time was along quicker compared to when i had the 45amp.

It also can handle many electrics that are on in the car, e.g. rear heater, wipers,stereo,lights, without too much of a probably.

Cost a bit more but totally worth it as i haven't had a charging problem since getting it.

[Sprocket]

SPi alternators are 70 amp

[nicksuth]

...............are the MPi's also 70 amp?

[cooper1275]

You mention amber ignition light, are you sure this is not the oil pressure light as ign/alternator lights are usually red.

this would make sense....the red one is always on when i start the car unless i rev a little then it goes away.

It looks like il go for a 70 amp

thanks very much for all the replies

[coopermpi]

MPI come with 65A alternator standard

[yeti21586]

how do you no what alternator you have??? as in how many amps it is?


YetI

[yeti21586]

bump