charging problem, replacement radio?

[Konstantin Bogach]

> > I have a peculiar charging problem on my '89 100Q: neither digital nor
> > analog gauge show any charge from cold start before approx 3500rpm --
> > after hitting this rpm range it charges fine at any rpm.  Changed out
> > the (damn expensive!) voltage regulator, with no change in symptoms.
> > Anyone have a clue? (FWIW, the console battery/charge light no longer
> > functions either).
>
> Corroded field exciter wire. Common failure point.
> There's a small blue wire that goes to the back of the
> alternator. This "charges" the alternator so it starts
> producing current, sort of like priming a pump.
>
> They often corrode from road salt and break. Pop the
> back plastic cover off the alternator and take a look.
> The corrosion is usually right at the spade lug that
> connects to the alternator. A cut an inch off my wire,
> crimped a new lug on, and voila.....
>
> --
>
> Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)                 duane at zk3.dec.com
> Compaq Computer Corporation             (603)-884-1294
> 110 Spit Brook Road
> M/S ZKO3-3/U14
> Nashua, NH    03062-2698

I second that.  I had this problem too.  In same place.
About 3,500rmp: what is this?  Vibration fixes contact?  I did not  notice it comes back
at some specific rpms.  In my case it was absolutely unpredictable and looked exactly
like bad contact.

Konstantin Bogach.
200tq 89