Pulsating/flickering lights

[Mr_C]

When the engine is running all the lights pusate/flicker. The Battery is okay as it holds 12.7V and is 18 months old.
On tickover the voltage measured at the battery is 13.2V to 13.4V. Could it be the alternator or is it something else. The car has been sitting for a couple of weeks. Could it be damp causing the problem.
Has anyone had a simlar problem.

[mike020150]

Hi,
When you say, 'all the lights flicker', I presume you mean the headlamps and not the dash lights. In which case, I'd start by checking the battery terminals for security and then progressively check and clean all the under bonnet earth points. Mike.

[Mr_C]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the reply.Good call .Will check out the earthing and let you know.Didn't check headlights or sidelights. So far its the dash, interior and boot lights that are flickering but it is more like a pulsing thing.

Kind regards,

Paul.

[Mr_C]

Hi Mike,

Headlights ,sidelights and dash lights all pulsated/flickered.
Cleaned battery terminals and checked the earthing but all was fine.

Removed the Alternator and stripped it down to find a rusted (almost right through) connector on the Voltage Regulator. Now all I have to do is find someone who sells them.

There is an air duct cowling which runs to the back of the alternator for cooling and I think maybe that this may have conveyed some water up this ducting resulting in the rusted connector.

Paul.

[oldtimer]

Paul, Try

Classic & Vintage Dynamos Ltd
Unit 7 Shirebrook Business Centre,
Vernon Court, Vernon Street,
Shirebrook,
Notts NG20 8SP

Tel 01623 747666

Used them last year for an overhaul of an Alternator off a '73 XJ12 including the 4TR controller

Oldtimer

[oldtimer]

PS I packed it in an old yellow bucket wrapped in my pyjamas! Cost about £80 plus postage

[mike020150]

Nothing is perfect, of course, but Jaguar alternators do last a lot longer these days. It will be interesting to hear if all's well after the refurb. Mike. Ps I don't think pyjamas are compulsory for packing purposes!

[oldtimer]

Hi Mike,
Thats the original Alternator so can't complain
Oldtimer
PS And they did't bother to wash and iron my pyjamas !!

[Mr_C]

Hi Oldtimer,
Thanks for the refferal to Classic and Vintage but they were unable to help. The only place you can get this voltage regulator is from Jaguar £152.41. You can buy an Alternator cheaper than that but I wanted to retain the orignal and save the planet.
Nippondenso will not sell a regulator either and they are the manufacturer.

Wagner Alternators & Supplies Inc in the US will sell an aftermarket one for £59.62 including postage. There may of course be Vodka And Tonic to pay on top.

Their website is www.wagneralt.com and they are very helpful. The only thing they wont do is send it wrapped in a pair of pyjamas as I said I would like to put this matter to bed!

Paul.

[Mr_C]

Repaired rusted eyelet terminal on regulator. Cut back plastic insulation to reveal clean metal.Made a new eyelet from copper and soldered it to the clean metal on the regulator. Fitted it to the XK8 and hey presto, no more pulsating/flickering lights. Alternator now producing 14.4 volts at the Battery on tickover.

[GrandTourer]

Well done Mr C Tenacity has won the day.
I bet you feel chuffed - well deserved.

[Mr_C]

Yes , Thank you GT.

[oldtimer]

Well thats the end of the pyjamas saga, and the Alternator is fixed too. Always good to hear of a happy ending . Well done Mr C
Oldtimer

[Mr_C]

Thank you for your support O/T.
Hope you managed to get your PJ's washed and ironed okay.

All the best,

Mr C.