The Alton on my twin isn’t making any electricity. It has been bench tested by a Vincent specialist and it turns without any mechanical grinding noise. We are not sure if it’s the Alton or the voltage regulator. I have ordered a new Podtronics voltage regulator..but, can an Alton be repaired or should I just buy a new one?
Misc: Charging Systems Dead Alton
- Thread starter Bazlerker
- Start date
It depends upon how old it is. Some of the earlier models had a system of gears inside which failed. The latest models seem to be much better. Others on here will know more than I do.
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Spin it up with a hand drill and hook a quartz bulb between any two wires from the Alton, no regulator in there ! It should produce AC for lighting the bulb - unless the windings are shot. Test between all wires as there are three coil systems like with any 3ph motor. Only then you decide on what you need.
Vic
Vic
Thanks. I have forwarded your suggestion to the man working on my Vincent..
The first thing I would do is speak to the guys that make them.
I had an issue with mine , which was caused by the wrong regulator being fitted when I installed the Alton unit. They sorted it and I've not had an issue since.
Jon Lambley
Mail: info@alton-france.com
Whatsapp on Mobil: +33 786 573 428
I had an issue with mine , which was caused by the wrong regulator being fitted when I installed the Alton unit. They sorted it and I've not had an issue since.
Jon Lambley
Mail: info@alton-france.com
Whatsapp on Mobil: +33 786 573 428
Thanks Jon, I’ve had the unit on my bike for about 10 years. I did send them an email yesterday with many questions. The unit was fitted with an early regulator that required a switch to isolate everything so it didn't drain the battery when not in use. As part of the medium sized parts order I placed last week I ordered a Podtronics regulator which doesn't require that switch.The first thing I would do is speak to the guys that make them.
I had an issue with mine , which was caused by the wrong regulator being fitted when I installed the Alton unit. They sorted it and I've not had an issue since.
Jon Lambley
Mail: info@alton-france.com
Whatsapp on Mobil: +33 786 573 428
The bike is under the care of a Vincent specialist slightly over 7hrs away from me..
Mine was about 8 yrs old but the version after yours I believe. Just make sure you've got the correct regulator.
I've no great issues with mine now. Pumps loads of power out. I hope you get it sorted.
Jon
Mine is from 1999 or so. Can't remember exactly the problem, but I think the winding wire that extends out of the body for connecting to the reg broke off. When I attached a new terminal, I forgot that winding wires have insulating shellac many times and that didn't work. Finally I remembered , sanded off the shellac and the new terminal worked. This may not pertain to your situation, but checking continuity of the two alt leads might shed some light.
If the later ones fail you can look inside the holes in the end cap and look at the wiring........generally the insulation will have turned a very dark colour......... I striped one and replaced the field winding assembly.......the screw that it is held with has loctite on it, so it pays to heat before removal. The one I had, this screw broke off making the job that much more difficult. For someone carrying out this work, the total cost involved, it is not worth the effort, simply buy a new Alton unit.......But for an owner who can carry out their own repair, then it might be worth it.