[DML] re: alternator

[Phil Peters <editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Claude, 

I disagree with some of your comments here, particularly labelling the system as a “total failure”. We all know that one or two areas of the DeLorean electrical system were problematic but a lot of issues faced by owners these days must surely be due to how the car has been treated by previous owners who either thought they knew best or wanted to save a few bucks. You know the sort of thing: “The 10A fuse kept blowing so I just fitted a 25A fuse instead of actually tracking down whatever was causing the fuse to blow in the first place.”

Then there is the question of maintenance, which can greatly affect the system’s performance. As you know, this includes checking and cleaning grounds, regularly cleaning or replacing fuses and ensuring that the battery is in good condition.

I'm under no (stainless steel) illusion, the DeLorean electrical system was hardly the greatest system ever designed, but if the proper recalls/updates have been carried out and the system is properly maintained I can’t see any real reason that it would have the catastrophic failures you’re suggesting. My VIN# 4400 is running with a non-melted OEM fusebox, Ducellier alternator etc and I don’t have any problems with the car. I’m sure there are many others out there in the same situation as me. And just to clarify, my car is not a trailer queen, it is a regularly used DeLorean.

Phil Peters
Editor, DeLorean News
The DeLorean Owners Club UK
VIN #4400 ---> http://tinyurl.com/2uwfgr

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Re: the alternator 
Posted by: "cbl1739" cbl302@xxxxxxxxxxxxx   cbl1739 
Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:11 am (PST) 
In a nutshell...Lucas..and crappy British 1980's wiring...even for 
it's time,it was bad and now add age to it,and it becomes very 
unstable for handling the electronics...and with todays high power 
electronics being added to a Delorean..well...it just takes it's 
toll,British wiring(the 1980's stuff) was never meant(ie:designed) to 
stay unburnt/unmelted and without problems for 25 plus years 
plus.Compaired to say a 1981 typical American made car/wiring 
harness/electronics.I have seen American made cars of that same age 
or way OLDER age with perfect unmelted/undamaged/no problem 
electronics/fuseboxes etc.,unless they were abused,but with the 
Delorean it just happens by itself without the abuse of the owner(the 
electrical Gremlins/melting/OEM electrical problems) of the 
electronics.This is not to put the Delorean down in any way,but just 
a fact with owning a Delorean.If the electrical system,as it came 
from the factory were to be given a rating....it would most 
positively be a negative D rating,Or close to a total failure,when it 
came to the electronics.THANK GOODNESS for the vendors,they ARE the 
ones that saved the Delorean,from bring a total electrical mess when 
it comes to it's Electronics.This there is no dispute!!And as the car 
further ages MORE Electronic Gremlins will emerge,but the Vendors and 
the DMC community will overcome them as they have done so in the past.

Hope that helps in understanding a Delorean.
-- 


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