Alternator Schmalternator

James

Jun 14 |12:28

Last Updated on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:30

Alternator Schmalternator

Continuing the mission to improve Pete the Saxo, part of our extensive preparation schedule was to replace the alternator with a shiny new one, and keep the old as a spare.

Nick Shiles, the mechanical god behind the Scilly Mission, ordered one and decided to let Will & Mackey do the honours and fit it (under his instruction). The three of them drove up into a field, so that they could get used to fixing and repairing without the comparative luxury of Nick's oily workshop.

As it turns out, the car wouldn't start the next day. Nick inspected, and his 40 years of mechanical experience told him it was fitted correctly - instead, the unit itself was faulty. Back to the supplier we went, and ordered a second brand new alternator.

This time, Mackey was confident enough to undergo the delicate engine operation (this was filmed, and the video "Mackey's Mechanics - Changing an Alternator" can be found below), and all seemed to be good and well under the bonnet of Pete the Saxo. All good and well, of course, until Mechanic Shiles tested it, and once again confirmed the unit to be dodgy. Not only does the alternator charge the battery whilst running, it also takes pleasure in draining it when not!

So, once again, back to the supplier; and we were guaranteed that the third alternator would be a shining example of their engineering prowess (and work).

We'll cut a long story short - Mechanic Nick fitted it himself, along with his Mechanic Assistant, convinced their 50+ combined years of experience were helping ensure it was fit exactly as it was meant to. They continued their testing with an ammeter, just to double check they hadn't been doing it wrong for the last few decades.. No prizes to guess what happened next.

We're currently awaiting a reply from our Citroen contacts at Motorwell Yeovil, in the hope that they might be able to assist!