[Mgs] Batteries, was:First drive...

[Rick Lindsay]

Morning Guys,
Similar story here. Turned the key in my E-Type a few days ago and 'click'. Not enough juice to even roll that big V12 over. I pulled the battery out and with it on the bench at home, I connected the charger. The current draw swept up to 6 amps so I left it that way over night. 12 hours later the meter read 3 amps charge, and that's typically where it indicates after a full charge.
I put the battery back in the car and still needed the 'jump box' to start the car. First clue discovered. I then drove the car 2 miles, from my old storage facility to my new workshop. Along the way the onboard voltmeter dropped until by the time I coasted in, the gauge read 9 volts, WITH the engine (kinda) running. So clues number 2 and 3. The 3-year-old battery is dead meat, and the car's charging system is all-but-dead meat.
I removed the battery and took it to my local indy shop. Thomas reported that he had since dropped the Interstate brand line because of multiple returns, just like mine. He offered me a replacement AC Delco battery for $50 and I jumped on the deal. First problem solved.
This morning I am going to remove, clean and rebuild the alternator controller. Its a B.U.T.E.C. R2 Regulator. For anyone with electronics skills, its an easy job to rebuild. Two generic NPN transistors and a half dozen resistors and its 'new'. Total cost for parts, maybe $5. Rebuilt units sell for $130. So my quest is to make sure the regulator is working correctly before assuming the alternator is worn out.
Removing the alternator requires removing the E-Type's bonnet! With that honkin' big V12 under there, the alternator is installed backwards. That is,  the pully faces the engine rather than away from it! That puts it sticking forward AND turning the opposite direction. That means the fan blade pitch is reversed. The result is a unique beast that sells for about $1000, rebuilt! Or I can take it to a local shop and have it rebuilt for $40. Given the results of the controller rebuild, that may be my course of action.
Yes, way more than you wanted. I really just meant to say that my car's battery also failed after sitting through the winter. Sorry for the long winded, mostly OT post. 10 points awarded to Gryffindor for reading this far.
-rick


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