no earth strap but still runs ??????

[robinoz]

hi all well ive finally got my beast registerd and ready to drive on the road  but my problem is battery warning light is always on (new battery) and ran flat within 5km ( also car was a bit jumpy) have replaced the wire from alternator to starter but battery light still on, i checked the earth strap from alternator to body and the car still ran with that strap disconected should that happen?? due to this i think my problem is wire somewhere any ideas as i want to drive this car so much ive been waiting since x mas 2010

[Hazey-n-Marc]

Just double check everything, has to be a short or a mistake somewhere. Someone on here earthed their alternator last week, think it sounds like similar symptoms (can't find the post at the minute)
Hope you suss it out, they are such fun to drive.

Could it be dirt/rust in the alternator?

[Amateb8]

The warning light indicates insufficient battery charge. Use a battery tester to see whether the alternator is giving a good charge i.e. 12-13v+. If it is below the aforementioned, your alternator is not charging the battery sufficiently. If you haven't got a tested, go to Halfords to get them to check the battery (the battery could be defective even when new) and the alternator.

If the earthstrap is defective, you will have instances where the engine will not start due to no electricity supply. When you turn the ignition, there is no clicking sound. This was what happened to mine.