Xantia 1.9TD - low charge voltage ?

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Mandrake
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Xantia 1.9TD - low charge voltage ?

Post by Mandrake »

My mum's recently aquired 1.9TD seems to have a problem with the alternator - the charge voltage with the engine reving is only 13.3 volts. My 2.0 petrol has an on-charge voltage of 14.0 volts, and my Dad's one is 14.4v.

What is the correct charging voltage ? I was under the impression that the optimum was from about 14.0 to 14.2v ?

The symptoms are slower than normal turning over during starting, and although I forgot to measure it I suspect the glow plugs will be getting a bit lower than normal voltage due to the battery never reaching full charge. (Sometimes it needs two glowplug cycles to start reliably, although that could be glowplug problems too of course)

The last alternator I worked on was YEARS ago back when the regulator was a seperate unit, but I understand these days its all built into the alternator ? Is the voltage adjustable or is it a specialist only or chuck away job ?

Regards,
Simon
Simon

1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
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nick
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Post by nick »

13.3V does sound low. I recently checked this on my Xantia & it read just over 14V. Even with headlights, foglights, blower on full & heated rear window it only dropped to 13.9V briefly, then rose to 14+ again.

I'm not sure whether the regulator is replaceable separately on these alternators.
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Peter.N.
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Post by Peter.N. »

Sorry! you need a new alternator, unless of course the belts slipping. They are not to expensive from GSF but I would think that there are plenty of secondhand ones around. The voltage as mandrake says, should be pretty close to 14 volts.
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twiggy
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Hold on a minute

Post by twiggy »

Before you rip the alternator off check the glow plugs are switching off. I had/have a problem with my 19td which is why I have just come to this site. The second stage of the glow plug cycle (post heat) is staying on for approx 30 mins at idle (longer when driving) which obviousley works the alternator to death, ruduces battery power for cranking etc. It should switch off after either 3 minutes/more than 11mm of throttle for 2.5 secs or reaching 60 degrees temp but don't. I has to be the post heat relay acting up and I have access to another Xantia. Where is the relay situated and what does it look like chaps?
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john alexander
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Post by john alexander »

Hi recently replaced an alternator 1.9td ,LSUK were much cheaper than GSF.about £40 cheaper if I mind right. regards john.
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