Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[grahame]

My Jensen Interceptor, which I use for classic car hire, has twice failed (in 18 months) due to the regulator failing. On both occasions there have also been problems with the battery - first one was on the car and duff, second one was a duff replacement - which may have contributed to the problem but I'm not sure.

However, two failures seems more than coincidence. Does anyone have any suggestions about what else I should be looking at rather than just replacing the regulator?

Similarly, the wipers have now failed twice - second time on a replacement (original stock) switch.

The car does a high mileage (for a classic) and is otherwise fine!

Any suggestions?
_________________
Graham Eason
Great Escape Classic Car Hire
www.greatescapecars.co.uk
www.greatescapecars.blogspot.com

[peter scott]

Hi Grahame,

I assume an Interceptor is new enough to have an alternator. If the ammeter shows a good charge after cold starting then your batteries were probably the cause of the problem. If your charging is intermittent then it might be worth checking that the alternator brushes aren't too worn down for good contact.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[ukdave2002]

Hi Grahame

Duff batteries are pretty rare these days and regulators robust devices in normal conditions. Are you using any form of "fast Charge" battery charging or jump starting?

Some of the older cruder fast chargers will buckle battery plates very quickly, and jump starting can damage the regulator diodes if you remove the leads before the flat battery has reaches a near normal voltage.

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

Jensens usually have the Chrysler V8 engine, do they have the Chrysler electrical system as well?

[grahame]

Thanks. I'm not sure about the source of the electrical system on the Jensen Interceptor - it's a rag bag and every car seems to be different (not helped by lots of bodging over the years on most cars). My auto electrician won't touch it. The regulator may be parts related - there are stronger aftermarket options out there apparently. The wiper problem could be the motor - it's being stripped and checked anyway. I'll keep you updated, thanks for the help.
_________________
Graham Eason
Great Escape Classic Car Hire
www.greatescapecars.co.uk
www.greatescapecars.blogspot.com

[47Jag]

Grahame,

The alternator should be a Chrysler unit and the separate regulator is a simple single coil unit. It measures about 3" long and just over 1" wide with single terminals at each end (one in, one out).

Art

[SV8Predator]