328 Hard Accel, alt light came on | FerrariChat

328 Hard Accel, alt light came on

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ducowti, Jun 27, 2021.

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  1. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
    1,558
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    David
    86 Euro 328. On a rip this evening accelerated hard, as have done many times in the past, but the alternator light came on, as when starting the car (and before revving to the threshold to kick the alternator on).

    What would have cause this? Haven't put a meter or done any other testing yet, but where to start?

    Thx
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    #2 Steve Magnusson, Jun 27, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2021
    The alternator belt breaking or coming off -- do a visual for this first! That warning light will often come "on" when something goes haywire electrically within the alternator, but its primary function is to detect a broken, or missing, alternator belt.
     
  3. wmuno

    wmuno Formula Junior
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    Dec 24, 2007
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    Bill Muno
    Another likely suspect is the voltage regulator. Check that all the contacts are clean, tight and free of corrosion. Make sure it has a good ground. Also, check the fuse that provides the positive to the regulator.
     
  4. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Thanks for the replies, gents. I've looked (in the engine and web/FChat for a photo), but can't figure out where the VR or alternator are located...?

    Grazzi
     
  5. SmokyDave

    SmokyDave Karting

    Jul 13, 2015
    136
    England
    I can offer no technical support, but my goodness do you have my moral support.
     
  6. afwrench

    afwrench Formula Junior

    Nov 24, 2004
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    Mike
    Simple stuff first. Sniff around and find the belt.Make sure it is not slipping.You should not be able to turn the Alt pulley with ease.If so tighten the belt to spec.Mike
     
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Steve Magnusson, Jun 30, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2021
    The 328 alternator is tucked between the engine block and the 5-8 exhaust header and sort of "under" the AC compressor (but you should be able to visually confirm if the alternator belt is still present, or not, by just looking down at the outermost pulley on the crankshaft):

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    The VR is a component mounted on the back of the alternator -- item 31 here:

    https://www.ferrariparts.co.uk/diagram/ferrari/328-gtb-gts-(1985)/043-electric-generating-system

    (But more usual to remove the alternator and replace the VR on the bench, then reinstall the alternator).
     
  8. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Appears to tighten requires removal of the rear wheel/liner, correct? Thx
     
  9. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Thanks Steve, very helpful as always. Holy crap that's a clean engine.
     
  10. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Alt belt feels tight, but can't run the engine just yet. Presume I'd see it slipping while engine is running. If it's slipping, is it a constant condition or intermittent?
     
  11. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    If the belt is still present and reasonably tight, it's almost certainly an alternator internal electrical problem -- that's a very reliable belt path with both pulleys having about a 180 deg wrap angle.
     
  12. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Thanks Steve. Is there something about a high rev or hard pull that you can think would trigger a malfunction in the alt? I've done fast starts before, never an issue. Happened at the top of the rev as shifting. Did not redline, but was close.
     
  13. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,932
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    Nothing too specific. High RPM at high load would be the most vibration, heat, etc., but electronic gizmos have a long history of failing at random times ;). Is the alt warning light still always "on" regardless of engine RPM? If so, still make a voltage measurement between the two battery terminals with the engine running to confirm it's kaputt.
     
  14. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Yes, alt light illuminated all times now, regardless of RPMs. With engine running the belt does not appear to be slipping. Until this condition began, the light extinguished with higher RPMs. Will check tomorrow and advise...
     
  15. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    Light remains illuminated, and with motor running after revving to about 4K rpm, voltage across the terminals 11.5V. Not so good...

    Reckon it's time to pull the alt. Drat.
     

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