Mark L
Well-Known Member
another vote for 2nd alternator
If only I knew someone who was good with vehicle electrics to help me wire it all in...
If only I knew someone who was good with vehicle electrics to help me wire it all in...
wiltshire landyman
I’m back
too far away for me im afraidIf only I knew someone who was good with vehicle electrics to help me wire it all in...
Mr Noisy
Coming in your ears.
2nd alternator vs simple split charge addresses separate problems really.
Allow me to explain.
If you run two separate systems with 2 separate alternators that's great but you only get the benefit of 1 alternator and 1 battery, you dont join the systems.
If you run a split charge then you have the benefit of two batteries to sup from when winching but separate batteries when overnight camping etc.
You could run two alternators connected together so that you have 200 amps available when winching and two batteries to sup from, yet when camping you simply run off the one battery.
There is a possibility that running two alternators is a problem cos the regulator packs oppose each other and you get voltage/charging trouble.
This is something needing research.
Anyway, basically running two separate systems sorts the issue but then you don't get the benefits of when the batteries are connected.
Then there's the super idea of wiring 24v to your winch and 12v to your car but even I didn't persue that one because I wanted a simple life
Allow me to explain.
If you run two separate systems with 2 separate alternators that's great but you only get the benefit of 1 alternator and 1 battery, you dont join the systems.
If you run a split charge then you have the benefit of two batteries to sup from when winching but separate batteries when overnight camping etc.
You could run two alternators connected together so that you have 200 amps available when winching and two batteries to sup from, yet when camping you simply run off the one battery.
There is a possibility that running two alternators is a problem cos the regulator packs oppose each other and you get voltage/charging trouble.
This is something needing research.
Anyway, basically running two separate systems sorts the issue but then you don't get the benefits of when the batteries are connected.
Then there's the super idea of wiring 24v to your winch and 12v to your car but even I didn't persue that one because I wanted a simple life
wiltshire landyman
I’m back
if u run an upgraded 8274 even linking the batterys the tail of in power is very noticeable,,
I wouldnt entertain over volting my 8274,just feeding it correctly is the way I will be persueing.
the benefit of 2 alternators vs split charge if u run a single alt and it fails ya buggerd,running 2 if one fails its only a simple case of switching leads and you have power again
I wouldnt entertain over volting my 8274,just feeding it correctly is the way I will be persueing.
the benefit of 2 alternators vs split charge if u run a single alt and it fails ya buggerd,running 2 if one fails its only a simple case of switching leads and you have power again
phil540uk
Active Member
Is there no option to run a higher capacity single alternator? Not sure of there's an off the shelf part but it shouldn't be too difficult to make one off a different car fit?
Most modern alternators kick out loads more juice than a disco unit. Making the rev counter work could be an issue though.
Most modern alternators kick out loads more juice than a disco unit. Making the rev counter work could be an issue though.
DEFENDER90-DAZ
New Member
Disco's usually run with a 100amp alternator instead of the 65amp ones fitted to defenders
wiltshire landyman
I’m back
I use a 300 tdi alt in me 200 disco that's 100amp output
smarty1972
New Member
I've had the same starting problems with mine in the cold even though I have cleaned all the earths fitted an 800cca battery etc ever since I bought it 4 years ago. Recently fitted another 800 cca battery and removed the airbox elbow and got some original battery leads from a broken disco and sent the positive to the original battery and negative to the block of the engine by bolting it to the dipstick bracket and can now start it before the glowplug light goes out even in sub zero temps, it would never start before this was done.
discomania
Well-Known Member
Just to let you know our 300tdi is a right sluggish starter when it's cold too.
Has been that way ever since and one does not seem to have identified a fault, yet nor has one looked for said fault
I agree with Mr Noisy here, 300tdi's can be sluggish.
I had a iffy starting disco, new Bosch 2.5Kw high speed starter motor and my starting issues were a thing of the past.
I can now start it at -10° C with Bio in the tank without the glowplugs.
discomania
Well-Known Member
Yes you can get a 140 Amp alt for the 300tdi - to be honest though, it should be fine with a good battery, cables and starter.
I have a 100 Amp alt, 800CCA battery, and my big starter motor - perfect.
Had similar probs with mine .. When I bought my Disco the seller did say it'll probably need a new battery, so when it started to struggle to start I went out and got a new 1, couldn't use a bigger CCA one as it wouldn't physically fit because of the air con pipes . As I wasn't using my Disco very often it was still struggling after a couple of weeks without use with the new battery (been told the alarm takes it out of the battery) so I got myself a 12v 4w solar panel off Ebay ... so far so good starts like it should but suppose only time will tell especially now its getting colder
Jay reKx
Active Member
I like the sound of this. do you have a link (I've looked at VWP website, but don't really know what I'm looking for) and/or a wiring diagram??
the old 200 struggles a bit on start up when cold so the battery is isolated and she's on a permanent solar trickle charge when parked up now. I'd like to put a second battery in but cant justify the price of a second alternator or of those fancy systems advertised in LRO
JKx
DEFENDER90-DAZ
New Member
Have a look in the FAQ section - madhatman 's post about splitcharges gives you all the info you could ever need
DEFENDER90-DAZ
New Member
GreenHornet
Well-Known Member
VWP - relays
R200R is the one you want £26.
My 200 never struggles although I do notice, as with my Zafira Diesel, that when very cold weather strikes they are slower to turn over but never struggle to start.
I decided in the end to try a bigger battery. The one I bought 6 months ago was listed as the correct one on eurocarparts site - it is a 031 70Amp 540cca, I think this one was a bit too weedy.
So I bought the other one they had listed, a 664 105Amp 760cca. I tried this morning, probably the coldest its been so far, I gave it 2 lots of glow plug, and it started after about 20 seconds of cranking.
Cured - I hope! (was a tight fit in the battery box though!)
So I bought the other one they had listed, a 664 105Amp 760cca. I tried this morning, probably the coldest its been so far, I gave it 2 lots of glow plug, and it started after about 20 seconds of cranking.
Cured - I hope! (was a tight fit in the battery box though!)
