The MGF Register Forums

Think I may have a faulty alternator. My battery was dead this morning so jump started it and drove car for over half an hour which normally is enough for a decent charge. Once stopped it wouldn't restart just a few minutes later until another I managed to get jump start. Then 20mins into second journey the battery light came on and whole instrument panel went dead bit by bit, was spooky. Had no power even for window wipers or indicators. Car eventually came to a halt. Called out RAC who said my battery was still flat so they stuck a new fully charged battery on for me and followed me home (He also said the output from alternator didn't seem high enough)
During that drive home the battery light stayed on all the time (although did seem to go out when I hit some large holes in the road)
Alternator? Or loose wire/earth?

Anyone know where I can pick up a new one (apart from Rimmers) and which one I need?

Car is a 2001 MGF Freestyle VVC.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT - It actually looks like Rimmers price isn't too bad after having a quick look.

AE Wilcox have them
Wickwar just north of Bristol
John Wilxox is the man

Cheers, I'll give them a try

Eurocarparts are good value if you buy online (and pick up from a local depot or home delivery) and use one of their discount codes. I last paid about £110.

Need some advice guys.
Just opened up engine hatch to check on alternator and belt and plug/wiring all looks fine. The battery light is on with engine running and alternator plugged in, but when I unplug it the light goes out. Surely it should stay on as there won't be any output?
Or does that mean the diode inside could be faulty?
Any help appreciated before I shell out for a new alternator

I'm just about to check voltage to battery whilst engine running and will report back.

EDIT-
voltage with engine off 12.56v
with engine running but alternator unplugged 12.02v
with alternator plugged in 11.96v

On the subject of alternators, there were two types fitted, Magnetti Marelli and Bosch. They are not interchangeable because the electrical connections are different. Make sure you order the correct one for your car.

To Hammond, any decent auto electrician will be able to tell you whether the alternator is toast or not, but you'll have to remove it first. Given the inaccessibility, buy a new drive belt while you're at it, and give the 8mm adjuster screw a spray with plus gas (not WD40) before you start to loosen it.

Thanks for the tips Mr Rat

When an alternator fails it fails internally so you wont see anything with an external examination.

Cheapest place I have found for an alternator and other parts (other than the Bay of E) is Carparts4less. They are the online version of ECP and give good service. A TF alternator from them is about £74 delivered. Delivery is quick but you can obviously pay for quicker delivery. I got an alternator belt and a set of Bosch wipers for my TF for £21 delivered.

Quick test, with the engine running remove the positive battery terminal. If the engine dies, the alternator is toast. Try this before adding skin & blood samples to the engine bay.