Now the Alternator

[Napalm00]

Fact is that if it wasn't charging and all the connections are good then you either have an alternator problem or a charge light circuit problem. The charge light circuit acts like an exciter for the original Land Rover alternators. If it's wonky and not providing a load then the alternator will not charge . This is rarely an issue and you can test it by shorting the alternator charge indicator wire to the b+ terminal on the alternator. This will force it to charge 100% of the time.

TLDR you're most likely have a shit alternator and should probably just replace it. Easiest way to find one it's just Google the Land Rover part number will find them all over the place including RockAuto

 

[Napalm00]

It would also be pretty silly not to upgrade The charge wiring that goes from the alternator to the hot side of the starter.
Something like 8 gauge would work

 

[RBBailey]

I believe it's actually bigger than 8 gauge already.

I think you all have to get into my brain here a bit to see why I'm gun-shy about just buying a new alternator. Fact is, I've had so many things go bad, that either should not have gone bad, or really didn't go bad, but I thought they did and bought new anyway, that I'm just pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to do. Also, the alternator is really the least of my worries. I really want to find the source of my start problem. The last thing I can think to do there is to open up the dash again and try replacing the start switch. But since this is my daily driver, I can't do that. I have to keep using the vehicle. Even if I had a new alternator in hand, it would take me a week or two to get it installed.

Why? It's 9:15 on a Sunday night. I'm finally at home at least, after having been out of town five weekends in a row. So getting the dishes done is a challenge, let alone working on the car. I clocked 6 unpaid hours of work yesterday. And I'm rolling into my 6th hour of unpaid work for today. I'm nowhere near ready to hit the week running tomorrow at 7:15, so I don't see this evening coming to an end till 1-2 am.

So when you say to replace the wire from the alternator to the starter, I see that as a major ground-up rebuild. Just don't think I'm ignoring all the great advice I get from you all, I just have no time to act on it.

 

[blueboy]

But since this is my daily driver,

Not to sound harsh, it truly sounds like you need a reliable, cheap to maintain daily driver. Love my current Rovers and those from the past, yet, always have had a DD in the fleet. Hopefully you can catch up on your sleep.

 

[Tiktaalik]

Ben, I hear ya. Sometimes we don't have the time and motivation to fit these things in. It can be discouraging.

First off, the alternator cable upgrade is a piece if cake. Second, I do think your alternator is bad. My light is flickering too and I read somewhere that alternators have three fields of electricity generation. If one field goes out it will charge at a certain rpm but not another. That's often why the light is flickering when one field is out. Only when two or more fields are out that's when its completely dead. So there's basically different stages of failure.

You need to take your alternator out and have it tested. I'll send you the contact to the guy I have used in Portland. He can check to see if it's working in a matter of minutes and he'll be able to tell exactly what the AMP and voltage output is. I'll be doing the same with mine. I've just been procrastinating.

Once you repair or replace the alternator I'd still recommend contacting Interstate to ask them what the voltage output is on that battery model. You want to know so that you don't ruin the battery or alternator later. Lastly, when you feel more amped (pun intended) replace that starter cable if it isn't already 8 gauge or thicker.

 

[RBBailey]

Is it the guy on 205 and Johnson Creek area?

The last two or three times I drove it, no alternator issue. This evening, it charged on the way to the destination, but on the way back it stopped charging. RPMs seem to make no difference.

I'll see if I can get a response from Interstate Batteries.

 

[Tiktaalik]

He is in Happy Valley. I will PM you his contact info. Your alternator definitely seems bad. Mine just started working again but it charges less at higher rev. Bill (the alternator guy) said to replace it regardless. The erratic behavior indicates something is bad.