Alternator not charging

[Off Piste]

Having Alternator problems on my Delica L300
No power going to the batteries. Checked the charge on the Batteries (duel) 12.6 on both but now slowly dropping. No increase in voltage to the batts when the engine is running. Checked and replaces the 100amp Alternator fuse even though the first one appeared fine.
Checked the Alternator and there is 11.5 volts coming off it at idle. The was one small cable from the alternator going to a slide on clip. It was greasy, cleaned it and it was lose. Wire pulled right off the clip so I cleaned the terminal and clip then fed the wire back in. Thought that was the problem but still no volts from Alternator to the batteries. Checked the fusable links on the battery and they all appeared fine.

Is there somewhere else to check? Seems like there is an air gap in the system from the Alternator to the batteries somewhere.
Thanks very much.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Have you cleaned the battery terminals and cable ends? A classic "battery not properly charging" scenario.

Falco.

[Off Piste]

Yes all clean and almost brand new.
I feel like I'll need to take it all apart, start at the alternator end and work my way towards the batteries.
Are the wires from the alternator a straight run to the 100A inline fuse then the batteries?

They are low now and both are less than a year old. I'll have to charge them up as they are reading 12.05 before I crank them over.

I guess I could hook up the volt meter to the wires before they run thru the inline 100A fuse and see if any volts are coming thru.

[Mr. Flibble]

11.5 volts at idle sounds awfully low. I would expect 13-14 volts.

You may need new brushes or voltage regulator.

That loose wire you spoke of... it could be your regulator ground, that would cause this. Check it carefully, perhaps post pictures.

[john clem]

hi, when you turn your key on power +12v from battery>regulator> one of the small wires on the alternator which would be the field or f1 terminal which has to energize field windings in alt. with a test light should see blink on and off with ign. key. if it does get power alt. needs replacement or repair. hope helps>>john

[BobTheRussian]

I have EXACTLY the same problem. Batter down to 9v so I ran jumper leads from another vehicle idling and tested the plug with 2 wires going into the ALT and the greasy yellow wire that looks like it might be a ground (which also came out). With 12 point something volts at the battery I tested 10 and 11 at the alternator end. So there is some voltage lost but I think it might be because the battery is so weak right now.

I think its new alternator time. I just rang the guy at amazing auto imports and hes saying 350 for a new one. He doesnt want to deal with any rebuilt or used ones any more (advertised at 260 on his website).

I also have a load of oil around the valve cover or something, turbo is covered and some of the alternator. Im sure that doesnt help. I am also considering pulling it and trying to do the brushes and clean it up myself. Not really sure what to do right now really...

[Off Piste]

Did some more digging and discovered what I figure is the problem.
A worn wired leading from the Alternator to the Battery.
Now I have to figure out should I cut it back then splice in new piece or replace the whole run?
Then there is the green wire that I pulled off the connector. I cleaned and re-connected it.