MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
took my gt out this am started fine . i had put in a new alternator two weeks ago . The idiot light went out, but as i was driving the lights got dim and car started to die.
does this sound like a battery problem or charging problem?
steve a
Sounds like alternator. Check the output with a voltmeter, it should be around 14 volts.
Clifton
I agree, check the output first. You also might want to check out the belt tension and connections. A slightly loose belt or a connection that needs attention will sometimes work fine until you increase the loads such as turning on your headlights.
Cheers,
Rob
A progressive loss of electrical power (dimming lights with the engine firing worse and worse) means you were running on battery (mostly or only). The engine will finally sputter & quit. It happened to me... in two different cars. You could possibly have left your driveway running on battery only.
Check easy things like suggested (belt, loose connections, output etc) People on this board will also suggest a new alternator could be bad right from the shop. Many have reported this in the past.
You would be surprised at how many times I"ve seen an alternator replaced and whoever put it in failed to hook it back up. :)
No, of course I've never personally done this. Never. Seriously.