E30 Zone

Guys, I was driving the 318 this morning and the Temp guage started to waggle and lock on hot then fall to normal & Alt light was flickering. Anyone had this?

Its like an electric short because the guage is overpowered then it drops.

The Alt light has been on and off for months (I.e. after the winter layup) I've checked the Alt, the battery, the back of the instrument panel, the wires on the alt, etc.

Help please.

Matt

Take out the gauges and tighten up the brass nuts on the far left and right of the cluster. That'll definitely sort out your temp gauge waggle.

Remove the air filter assembly, so that you can get at the rear of the alternator, then remove the regulator pack and check the length of the carbon brushes. Chances are that one has worn short and is showing signs of arcing on the end.
Pull gently on this brush to straighten the braid that holds it in place, then refit the regulator pack.
You will now have a month or so to source a new regulator before it starts acting up again.

Great, I'll whip the dash / clocks out first and see where that takes me. Does anyone know what battery you need for the panel? i might as well buy one if I'm taking it apart.

Matt