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Hello all.
the original problem still persists + more, now the oil level warning light is also on,
i've changed the oil & filter, changed the fuel filter but the dash still looks like blackpool eluminations when driving (or not as in my case). i spoke to a gent at my local dealership who insisted the problem was being caused by either the alternator or battery. so being as i'm having no starting problems i discounted the battery, had the alternator checked by a alternator specialist first on the vehicle with a reported output of 15.8 volts, then after a 2hour struggle checked off the vehicle to be told it's perfect as it this morning bench tested @ max output of 14.4 volts which matches the spec for that model of alternator. another 2 hours + and it's refitted, you guessed it, nothing's changed. so now i borrowed the battery off my mates van, his is the same model as mine, this battery was new six weeks ago, i can deffinately say no it's not the battery either & for some reason i'm still getting a reading across the battery terminals with the engine running of 15.8 volts, even with the headlights and heater on full blast. Please has anyone got the answer i'd like to here? so i can get my customer's off my back & return to working for a living instead of laying on my back under a van!

is it possable your charging system uses an external voltage regulator rather than inside the alternator.also try disconnecting the dash and checking your charging voltage.it is bugging me a bit as I used to work on alternators for years overhauling them and just can't quite seem to remember why this is happening....I am not being insulting but I assume you have checked the usual battery connections for the vehicle including the ground straps as a broken engine ground can produce similar results(could attach jumper cables to add additional ground fore testing)just a thought
good luck