FTP: featuring additional bonus breakdown and director's commentary

[320touring]

16 minutes ago, loserone said:

Steal the alternator from the Rank Taxi 

Too bad it's got markings on it😂

[sdkrc]

Replacement taxi courtesy of @320touring, complete with OEM Taxi piss bottle. 

I believe every Scottish minicab driver would have a square arse after more than 20,000 miles in one of these. 

(That's engine oil not piss btw)

 

[SiC]

Don't fully dismiss the idea that the alternator light (field windings energising) wire could be damaged at this age too. 

[Anthony]

On 18/07/2024 at 13:00, SiC said:

Don't fully dismiss the idea that the alternator light (field windings energising) wire could be damaged at this age too. 

Wouldn't the usual giveaway of that be that the battery light on the dash won't illuminate with the ignition on but engine not running, unless VAG do something unhelpful like illuminating the light regardless?

I don't know if it works with modern smart* alternators (which presumably this is old enough not to have?) but most regular alternators will self-excite once spinning quickly enough and normally carry on charging until you switch off the engine.

[SiC]

47 minutes ago, Anthony said:

unless VAG do something unhelpful like illuminating the light regardless?

This was my assumption that could be a possibility and didn't really want to say about the light. I don't know about this gen A3 exactly but my TT MK1 which was electrically very similar did stuff like this. Like the oil pressure warning light only comes on if there is no oil pressure after 3 seconds of engine run. 

[sdkrc]

The old alternator brushes. Close to 3mm

And the metal rings. RIP lads

[sdkrc]

Refurb alternator had spacers that were pushed in far too much and meant loads of faffing about to fit.

I spent 20mins with a hammer trying to batter them in without success but a handy YouTube link suggesting this contraption with a socket, nut/bolt and some washers did the trick. Highly recommended.

And we now have full voltage. 

That's 5 FTPs in a matter of weeks, perhaps 10 battery swaps and 3 alternators. 

[320touring]

It may be 5 FTPs, 10 batties and 3 alternators but you fuckin fixed it man😁