Hitchcocks Forum

(Also posted in Midland Bullets, so if you've already read it there, please ignore).

Sadly, my Meteor Minor came to a full stop yesterday (in about the remotest spot it could find). I suspect the (New!) regulator rectifier, but here are the symptoms; I'd appreciate any thoughts.

For several miles the ammeter needle had been flicking widly back and forth, mainly when running at speed, and from time to time it remained on the maximum positive current. Then the engine died. I could get a rather weak spark at first, the points were opening and closing, and petrol was getting through. The ammeter didn't register any charging current with the points closed. Then the electrics gave up altogether -- no lights, horn, etc. The negative battern terminal (positive earth system) showed evidence of heat, and the battery was rather warm. The AA man found 4.5v at the battery (6v system) but couldn't get it to accept any charge.

The battery sounds like it needs replacing anyway so I'd do that and then get a meter on the output of the rec/reg and see what it's doing. You should get 7v on the output. If not, check what's coming from the alternator/dynamo. Also check you have a good earth. Just another thought, it is a 6v rec/reg? just checking.

Thanks PeteF. Yes, it's an A-reg-six that's been working OK for about a year. I've now got a few suggestions to be going on with, and I'll report back in due course.

Ah, when you said it was new I thought you meant NEW.