70 series with 3L engine not charging battery (1 Viewer)

[Skywoolf]

I have a 70 series with a 3L engine. Apart from the engine change from 2L to 3L it has been converted from right to left hand drive and they did not do a good job.

I have a problem in that the battery is always nearly flat. I put a multimeter on the battery and revved the engine. The voltage reached 12.28 volts when I believe it should be more like 13.9 volts.

The battery recently got so flat that it could only just turn over the engine. I noticed immediately afterwards that the battery voltage gauge in the car moved from its usual position at the very bottom of the "OK zone" and was about where is should be if charging properly but only for a few minutes then it dropped back. I guess this does indicate that the alternator is OK. I am thinking the problem is the charging level is set wrong but my only experience is of much older vehicles.

I assume there must be a way to adjust the charging level. Can somebody please tell me what to look for where and how to adjust it?

If I am wrong in my assumptions please also put me right.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Check the brushes in the alternator and also the voltage regulator if the brushes end up looking good.

~John

 

[Skywoolf]

Thanks John. I can't get down under there to do it myself but at least I can talk to the mechanic like I know what to do which lessens the chance of being cheated. I was hoping there was some sort of adjustment I could make in a more accessible place as was common in the 60's but I do realize that is mostly wishful thinking.