Stridey Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Previously on here I've suggested fitting a cover plug to the alternator wires. Monitoring charging these past few months I'd noticed it wasn't always charging correctly. Took the plug off to inspect, thinking I'd just clean the contacts and saw the wire connections had deteriorated badly, over the last 2 years or so. I've replaced the contacts and plug and smeared dialectic grease. Hopefully will keep things at bay... I thought I'd post as I'll add it to my winter checklist. I'm now not so sure the plug did what I was hoping, but without the plug I'd found contact issues previously... maybe it's 50/50? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted November 2, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted November 2, 2019 I think I will leave the connectors uncovered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bricol Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 That looks more a problem with the crimp of the connector to the wire than plug as a whole to the alternator? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stridey Posted November 2, 2019 Author Share Posted November 2, 2019 Your probably right Bricol, the crimps were done by me (and soldered)... over time they have deteriorated to that awful state for some reason in situ... I resorted to using the plug, (basically a cover that clips over the wires) after plugless running led to shorting in rain or after running through a puddle.The plug comes with 3 crimp ends at right angles, to fit the plug. I had a couple of years good running at least until the recent issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted November 2, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted November 2, 2019 A lot of people decry soldering. In audio and video connectors I favour it, but appearently in automotive and heated situations it isn't appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bricol Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 I was told by a Lucas Aerospace electrical person - never solder crimped connectors . . . so I don't.I used the same plug, with the cover, on a Lucas alternator on a Dutton trials car - and I bet its been under more mud and water than yours. Admittedly I've not checked it to see, but it's not given any worries to cause me to do so in over ten years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stridey Posted November 3, 2019 Author Share Posted November 3, 2019 I didn't solder these ones as my soldering iron wasn't working! Probably for the best.Can report (as I sit at Shell waiting for Longy to go to the L2B run) that it's working at 14.1 v constantly, and down a 10th each time I switch on things.Deeply relieved and thanks for the tips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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