W124 Alternator

[abecketts]

Our 320 estate is having a flickering light problem when it is at tick over, I replaced the alternator about a year ago but could it be the alternator going again or the diode thingies that regulate voltage. The only other thing done recently of an electrical nature is a new lighting control box which seems to work 100% and has stopped the "bulb out" light for appearing for no good reason.

Any insights on this welcome, vehicle is otherwise fine for a 15 yr old 142k miler

Thanks

Paul

 

[grober]

What RPM is it idling at? I would be looking at all the earths carefully in particular the engine earth strap.

 

[Ted]

Was it a new alternator? If so, it sounds dodgy.
If it was a second hand one it sounds like the brushes, and these should be on the regulator screwed to the rear of the alternator.

One other thing is the OVP relay/fuse connection. This seems to be a generic thing to look at for intermittent problems.

Now I have a question of you, if I may.
I mada a bit (lot) of cider from my apple tree in October.
Will it be drinkable at Christmas (it has cleared) or should I wait till spring?
It's not desperate, as I have some turbo cider fermenting right now, and a small Christmas stock .

Edit: apologies for the hijack!

 

[abecketts]

What RPM is it idling at? I would be looking at all the earths carefully in particular the engine earth strap.

750rpm the same as it does when the lights are not on as far as I can see.

 

[Ted]

Just a thought...
Is it definitely the alternator light?

 

[abecketts]

Was it a new alternator? If so, it sounds dodgy.
If it was a second hand one it sounds like the brushes, and these should be on the regulator screwed to the rear of the alternator.

Alternator was new

One other thing is the OVP relay/fuse connection. This seems to be a generic thing to look at for intermittent problems.

OVP is the light control thing?

Now I have a question of you, if I may.
I mada a bit (lot) of cider from my apple tree in October.
Will it be drinkable at Christmas (it has cleared) or should I wait till spring?
It's not desperate, as I have some turbo cider fermenting right now, and a small Christmas stock .

Edit: apologies for the hijack!

No problem glad to help if I can.

If the cider has finished fermenting and has cleared (have you used fining's to do that?) then technically you could drink it, I find they generally improve with age.

If it is too dry you can use a sweetener to add back some sweetness, depending on the quantity made just add a little and taste.

You can also make mulled cider with it, spices, cinnamon and a little sugar will help keep the cold out or if you need to fall asleep v quickly add in some calvados.

Paul

 

[Ted]

Thank you, Paul
The cider has cleared naturally (with some yeast sediment in the bottom)
I did a second fermentation in the bottles, with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar - so I'm expecting it to be very dry.
What sweetner should I use? I was thinking of honey.

I can't wait!!

 

[abecketts]

Thank you, Paul
The cider has cleared naturally (with some yeast sediment in the bottom)
I did a second fermentation in the bottles, with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar - so I'm expecting it to be very dry.
What sweetner should I use? I was thinking of honey.

I can't wait!!

if you use a sugar be that cane or honey to sweeten it will probably re-ferment, a campden tablet or two will help control the cider and keep it stable but check the application rate as per the instruction. As for sweetening it things like splendar or similar will do the job just take it steady. Just a thought if the sediment is at the bottom it would pay you to rack or draw off the clear liquid into a fresh container so when you sweeten you won't be stirring up sediment.

Depending on the quantity you have made work on a 1% sample as a base for sweetening and you can experiment without making changes until you are happy.

Then enjoy over Christmas, out of interest what apples did you use?

Paul

 

[Ted]

Thank you.
I honestly don't know the variety, but they are not very sweet until late in the season. There was a massive crop this year, and it seemed a real shame to waste them.

I'm also making some very drinkable stuff using a gallon demijohn, five litres of apple juice, teaspoon of wine yeast, and sugar. Ferment for a week, rack off, teaspoon of sugar in the bottles (plastic coke), leave a week or so to clear, and drink!!

 

[abecketts]

Thank you.
I honestly don't know the variety, but they are not very sweet until late in the season. There was a massive crop this year, and it seemed a real shame to waste them.

I'm also making some very drinkable stuff using a gallon demijohn, five litres of apple juice, teaspoon of wine yeast, and sugar. Ferment for a week, rack off, teaspoon of sugar in the bottles (plastic coke), leave a week or so to clear, and drink!!

Nothing wrong with a good bit of home brew

This year was superb for apples (and grapes) we have still not finished pressing but it's too damn cold to be washing apples! One of my most enjoyable achievements this year has been pressing apples for folks who usually sweep them up into the compost heap. really nice to help folks use something instead of wasting it. As soon as its warm enough i've got another 40 cider trees to go in and in 3 years time even more apples, i can't wait.