dynamator

[Barry Townsend]

Thanks to eveyone who replied to my previous thread, I'm having the usual timing gear problems but in the process of curing them. Another problem has arisen that I should have previously thought of - the ammeter goes off the scale when initially charging, is there an uprated ammeter that can be fitted to the original dash/switch arrangement. I particularly want to retain originality wherever possible. Typical progression with anything mechanical, solve one problem and create another !

[Bruce Nicholls]

You must be running on 6v? My RP has been 12v the last 30+ years and I get an initial 10 amp surge for a very short while after which it drops back to next to nothing. Personally I don't think I would worry about the initial surge too much providing the battery is in decent condition and not losing charge just standing.

[AustinWood]

That highlights something that needs to be guarded against. Can the old wiring that was designed for 8A charge handle the output current from the alternator?

[Hugh Barnes]

It is worth bearing in mind that, once the battery is fully charged, the higher charging rate is only sustained for a very short period of time and then drops back to just a couple of amps or less for the rest of the journey. It is only raised to replace the drain on the battery during starting. I've done 2 or 3000 miles now on a Dynomater and can report no damage to the ammeter or anything else, come to that.. (touch wood and whistle..)

[Barry Townsend]

Good point, i took the opportunity to upgrade the wiring when I fitted the alternator

[Barry Townsend]

Hi and thanks to everyone who gave an opinion or advice on the Dynamotor. This website is just great.
Since I've installed the unit I'm still finding the drive a bit noisy despite using the original gear - any suggestions.
Also the charge rate never falls below about 9/10 amps at normal revs, that seems to be a bit on the high side to me. It shows around 15 amps after starting and the drops to the 9/10 amps.
The battery is a new one.
The ammeter hardly changes if I put the headlights fully on.
I'm a bit worried about boiling the battery if it's overcharging
Typical of messing with anything mechanical, solve one problem and create another!

[Bruce Nicholls]

Barry, I would be asking is your ammeter accurate?

[AustinWood]

Might be worth monitoring the voltage at the battery.

[Barry Townsend]

Good point - I’ll get onto it

[Nigel Ricardo]

I had a burnt out new 7 Workshop wiring loom.