Recently I've noticed the charge warning light (the orange one on the
right) on the clocks of my 1978 Mini Clubman, doesn't light up when the
engine stalls, even though the oil warning light (the red one to the left)
does. And when I turn the ignition on there is now a 4 second delay
(approx.) before the charge light comes on, so the bulb isn't blown. Other
than that the system seems to be charging all right. Is this indicative of
a more serious and imminent fault or nothing to worry about?

Cheers.

Sounds like the Diode pack is on its way out,
I suspect the next thing would be the light staying on very dim, have the
alternator checked
There again it could be the belt loose,,,,
Fitzy

"ln1gaw" <albertswift (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

ln1gaw wrote:
then I started getting starting problems, then charging problems.
After asking on here I was told to bolt in an extra earth strap to the
engine and all was well.

HTH Jim

Thanks guys,

But what and where is a 'diode pack'? I didn't think such technology was
fitted to my Mini. The fan belt is tight and the alternator appears fine
i.e. lights up my halogen headlamps with no problem and had new bushes
fitted only a few thousand miles ago. Car starts without a problem and
I've cleaned all around the existing earthstrap but I may look into
fitting another. More specifically, when the engine is cold the warning
lights come on normally but after the engine has been running and I turn
the ignition off then on again the light takes a few seconds to come on
whereas before it used to be instant.

Further suggestions appreciated.

Built in to the back of the alternator,
The alt could still be charging and covering the load,
but it does sound like a diode problem,
also as Jim quite rightly pointed out, the earth strap,
this is another potential problem, worth fitting a secondary earth,
Fitzy

"ln1gaw" <albertswift (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I thought the orange was the oil and the red the charge???
Dave
"ln1gaw" <albertswift (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I hate to say it but you've got the light's the wrong way round mate! The
orange light is an oil pressure warning light and comes on when engine oil
pressure drops below 7lbs/sq". The red is the alternator warning light and
lets you know when more current is leaving the battery than entering it (in
a round a bout way)!

To test this theory on your car pull the lead off from the oil pressure
sensor on the block (with ignition on - but disconnect +ve on coil for
safety!) then earth it to the block using a short wire. The orange light
should illuminate! If it doesn't then the prob is with the bulb in the
dash. If it does then the prob is with the switch. Replace it but be wary!
These are on tapered threads and you can crack the block around them if you
overtighten!!!

hth

Chris

"ln1gaw" <albertswift (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Thanks for your advice. Looks like I've got my wires crossed. I suppose
that the delay in illumination could be caused by over-filling of engine
oil then?

The delay you mentioned, is normal, when you run the engine, the oil
pressure comes up and turns the light out,
if you switch off and then back on , the oil pressure is maintained for a
few seconds,, the light comes on again after oil pressure has depleted,
Fitzy


1gaw" <albertswift (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote