Hi, both dipped head lights blew Friday evening, I noticed that the aircon display flickered when I went to Halfords for the new bulbs. A quick check on the US bulliten boards suggested overcharging, my multimeter showed 18.5V across the battery during idle!!

 

So I guess I need a new alternator? or could it just be the voltage regulator?

 

Have I missed something in the diagnosis?, Any recommendations where to buy the parts please?

 

(I have only been a 300zx owner for a year - and the smile on my face has not dissapeared)

 

------------------

Simon

Simon

Your charging voltage is certainly over and above the correct amount by some amount too.Be aware you will be causing the electrolite in the battery to excessively gas and evaporate not only leading to a dry battery which would allow air on to the plates, but corrosive fumes and possibly liquid around the battery area.The alternator has an output voltage stabiliser and my guess would be a replacement doide pack (inside the alternator) would cure the problem however the alternator also uses the dash mounted battery light as a winding sensing device and any problem in the small cable from the alternator to this bulb may cause a problem. It sounds like a visit to an auto electrician for an exact diag. I would put money on the alternator though. Good Luck

 

Jeff TT

Thanks for the advice Jeff TT,

 

I thought it could be bad so I have not driven my Z.

Can any one advise on getting parts - like a diode pack - as I have found that my local Nissan dealer is expensive and not really interested in Z's.

 

Simon

 

It's probably the regulator in the alt.

 

You have three options:

-Get an alternator from a breaker

-Get a new alternator.

there are cheaper and more powerful non-nissan alternators available that'll fit.

-Have your old alternator repaired/revised.

This option is probably the cheapest.

You can have this done at any shop that revises/repairs alternators (doesn't have to be a Nissan-dealer)

or if you can get a hold of the parts, do it yourself:

http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/manual/manual/el/028.gif

http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/manual/manual/el/027.gif

 

 

-Eric

 

 

[This message has been edited by lymon (edited 28-01-2002).]

Many thanks you Guys for the advice - I hope to sort things out soon.

 

Simon