got my esprit!
Discussion
Well, I finally picked up my car (88 turbo Fuel injection)! However....it has one electrical problem. The altenator gauge reads 13 V all of the time. However, it begins to loose charge after going 80 mph on the highway for an hour or more. If I pull over and let it cool for 10 minutes, it if fine for another hour or so. It is so weird. The engine is at a cool temp the entire time. If the altenator going bad, or are their heating issues with the circuit? Also, when I fully activate the turbo, the altenator charge drops to about 11V. Is this normal? What type of battery does the car need? Thanks for your help!!! Any guess is as good as mine!
I have had similar problem in my '89 non-SE since I bought it in '96. I have changed the voltage regulator out on the alternator three times in correcting the problem. If you still have the Valeo(french) alternator in the car it uses a VR Motorola voltage regulator. I got mine from a place called Transpo, a number M5-763, cost $35. You can put it in yourself it or let a good auto electrics guy do it. It is screwed into the alternator rear. Hard to put in unless you remove the alternator.
My first one, I assume the original regulator, melted and dumped its gel insulation in the alternator brushes. They, the auto electrics place, not a dealer, rebuilt it and installed the new regulator for $135. A new alternator costs about $600.
I put the next two in myself. I asked the forum about it. With all the electrics in fuel injected cars its draws real hard on the battery. You may show 13 volts but it takes 13.5 v to recharge the battery too. At least the Lotus has a voltmeter so you can tell whether it is charging or not. The same volt numbers apply to all 12 volt system cars. My other three cars had the same regulator problem but the idiot lights won't tell you anything but the belt has broken.
Hope this helps.
My first one, I assume the original regulator, melted and dumped its gel insulation in the alternator brushes. They, the auto electrics place, not a dealer, rebuilt it and installed the new regulator for $135. A new alternator costs about $600.
I put the next two in myself. I asked the forum about it. With all the electrics in fuel injected cars its draws real hard on the battery. You may show 13 volts but it takes 13.5 v to recharge the battery too. At least the Lotus has a voltmeter so you can tell whether it is charging or not. The same volt numbers apply to all 12 volt system cars. My other three cars had the same regulator problem but the idiot lights won't tell you anything but the belt has broken.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ian,
Make sure that the alternator belt is tight and not slipping. Then, I would have the battery load tested as it may have a bad cell, check your engine to chassis ground connection, that it is clean and making good contact both on the block and the frame (in these plastic cars, about 90% of all electrical problems involve a poor ground). Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
Make sure that the alternator belt is tight and not slipping. Then, I would have the battery load tested as it may have a bad cell, check your engine to chassis ground connection, that it is clean and making good contact both on the block and the frame (in these plastic cars, about 90% of all electrical problems involve a poor ground). Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
CONGRATULATIONS!! Happy as a clam, even w/ electrical gremlins. I have a similar problem w/ my 88, but my alternator reads 13.5 volts during normal operating, then at about 1800 - 2500 rpm (all depending on the load on the alt.) all my lights go bright/dim/bright/dim etc. while the gauge jumps back and forth. With the lights off, it doesn't do it until about 4000 rpm. Could this be bad alt? or maybe voltage regulator not performing properly? The alternator was rebuilt by the PO, but it has always done this since I owned the car. Oh, and the light in the gauge sometimes is on, sometimes off. Any ideas anybody?
Happy Boosting
Dino
Happy Boosting
Dino
espritnutdean said: CONGRATULATIONS!! Happy as a clam, even w/ electrical gremlins. I have a similar problem w/ my 88, but my alternator reads 13.5 volts during normal operating, then at about 1800 - 2500 rpm (all depending on the load on the alt.) all my lights go bright/dim/bright/dim etc. while the gauge jumps back and forth. With the lights off, it doesn't do it until about 4000 rpm. Could this be bad alt? or maybe voltage regulator not performing properly? The alternator was rebuilt by the PO, but it has always done this since I owned the car. Oh, and the light in the gauge sometimes is on, sometimes off. Any ideas anybody?
Happy Boosting
Dino
Hi all,
Ground Wire, Ground Wire, Ground Wire... As I mentioned before, most electrical gremlins in an Esprit will ultimately be found to be the negative ground. There are only a few grounding straps providing all the pathway necessary for each electrical component to ground and complete a circuit. This is especially true when compared to a metal bodied car which provides no end to the grounding points available. I know of several Esprit owners who have added additional grounding straps to the engine to insure a good ground.
These ground strap connectors are made of metals which will corrode and so should be inspected for tightness and cleaned of any corrosion or oxide build-up occaisionally. This will eliminate an incredible number of electrical woes. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
That would be a great if it is not the altenator. What do I have to do to get that out? Move the hoses and fuel lines? Where is the nearest ground, the diode, and the voltage regulator? I will look at these tonight. I am putting some S4 wheels on it this week. I am repainting it also....because of the bad clear that is on it. Other than that, the interior is all new except for the leather at the very front of the dash. Here is what I will do...
1. Check the belt
2. Check the grounds
3. Check the regulator
4. Check the Diodes
1. Check the belt
2. Check the grounds
3. Check the regulator
4. Check the Diodes
dr.ian said: That would be a great if it is not the altenator. What do I have to do to get that out? Move the hoses and fuel lines? Where is the nearest ground, the diode, and the voltage regulator? I will look at these tonight. I am putting some S4 wheels on it this week. I am repainting it also....because of the bad clear that is on it. Other than that, the interior is all new except for the leather at the very front of the dash. Here is what I will do...
1. Check the belt
2. Check the grounds
3. Check the regulator
4. Check the Diodes
Congrats on the Esprit! PICS PICS PICS
>> Edited by LotusV8 on Monday 3rd February 19:08
The alternator is held on by 2 bolts. One on the pivot point and the other on the brace. The regulator on a SE is on the rear of the alternator, the diodes are in the inside of the case. Unless you are good at alternator repairs just remove the alternator from the car, just take it to an auto electric shop (many times no charge or very little to test). A place where they fix alternators, starter, etc. they can test it and rebuild if required. Not too bad maybe 40-80 USD. The grounds are the grounding straps to the frame and battery. Just clean and resecure if required.
Calvin
Calvin
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