Fast Marina Magazine

This weekend has threw up another problem with GRO. I went for a drive yesterday and switched off for a while, upon starting back up I had a problem as the ignition light stayed on. I switched back off and wiggled the ht leads and then it was fine. I've now noticed that when you turn on the ignition the red ignition light no longer illuminates, although you do get the usual flashes it does when you cut the power off. I did fit a new dynamo voltage regulator earlier that day, I don't know if that is to do with any of it? They really aren't built that well so I shall be keeping an eye on that, in the mean time I will see if I can repair the original.

While I can't exactly diagnose your problem for you, I'd say it is too much of a coincidence that your ignition light problem started around the same time that you fitted a voltage regulator. So yes, I'd say there was a connection. Nearest I've come to your problem is ignition light staying on because my dynamo had packed up on a Mini, but I suspected the voltage regulator at first because the light would extinguish at high revs when it first went wrong, but not when first fired up.

I was sent a Lucas pdf document for diagnosing problems with the voltage regulator, from a Mini forum member. I should still have it on my laptop or on a stick. I'll look for it later and see if I can send it via PM or your email if you've provided one.

PM sent with pdf.

Usual approach with regulators is to clean the points with fine emery..

If fault only appeared after replacing regulator. Refit original see if fault goes away. Have you wired it up correctly ? see attached wiring diagrams for both two and three bobbin types.
Dave

Yes I have had that with original ones and as Kilroy says a quick cleanup of the contacts usually sorts it. I'd clean up and re-fit the original rather than use a new one- the originals are much better built.