We have a 1970 3020 with the Motorola 55-amp alternator. Typically, the indicator lamp would light up when the key switch was on, and remained on after starting until the engine was running about 1500 RPM.
About a month ago, the light failed to come on at any time, and within a few days, the batteries needed to be boosted to make it start. Since the alternator was 15 years old, I replaced it with a new one. The old alternator sounded rough when I spun it by hand as well.
The indicator lamp still failed to illuminate, so I replaced the indicator lamp bulb. All is well now- the light comes on when it should, and goes off at around 1000 RPM engine speed (it had a smaller pulley than the old one). The batteries stay charged up now as well.
So, what I would like to know is this: Even if the old alternator was good, would the burned out indicator lamp prevent it from charging the batteries properly? I have not had the old alternator bench tested yet, but I think it is rare to have two things wrong (bad bulb and a bad alternator) simultaneously.
Thank you for any explanation on this!
Lon
About a month ago, the light failed to come on at any time, and within a few days, the batteries needed to be boosted to make it start. Since the alternator was 15 years old, I replaced it with a new one. The old alternator sounded rough when I spun it by hand as well.
The indicator lamp still failed to illuminate, so I replaced the indicator lamp bulb. All is well now- the light comes on when it should, and goes off at around 1000 RPM engine speed (it had a smaller pulley than the old one). The batteries stay charged up now as well.
So, what I would like to know is this: Even if the old alternator was good, would the burned out indicator lamp prevent it from charging the batteries properly? I have not had the old alternator bench tested yet, but I think it is rare to have two things wrong (bad bulb and a bad alternator) simultaneously.
Thank you for any explanation on this!
Lon
