BIG SHORT, dead 4kq

[Luis Felipe Patino]

Thanks to Rich and Doug for telling me how to put
the new voltage regulator in my alternator :-)

Unfortunately, the new regulator didn't help :-(
the symptoms before:

> turned the key to ON, and the oil light/buzzer
> came on, instead of the normal warning-lights check;
> dash-illumination came on normally bright; the LED
> voltmeter bright and showing 12 V; the stereo
> normal, too, so I pushed the key further to START,
> but the motor cranked too slugishly to kick in,
> and the voltage dropped and everything dimmed.

In addition, now, after 3 weeks and replacing
voltage regulator, the battery voltage reads
bottom at the LED voltmeter when first turning the
key to ON and then very slowly creeps up to 8 V.
Turning the key further to START, the starter
solenoid doesn't engage anymore.

(note - the blue alternator wire is in good shape;
I disconnected the battery after day two.)

Could it still be my alternator? if not, what
else? I just got my Bentley from the Parts
Connection, but lack a multimeter or battery
trickle charger to perform more rigorous
diagnostics. Any suggestions before I go out and
buy those? (I have very limited money.) If I
absolutely must get more diagnostic tools what
should I buy to get the best value? Also, because
my car has not ran for so long should I take any
preventive steps while it's still not running and
before starting it when I finally get it to run?

Oh yeah, I took the opportunity to 'delete' the
air conditioning. When those sharp exchanger fins
started slicing my hands, I got my kitchen knife
and started slicing A/C hoses :-)

(yeah, the A/C had discharged all its
ozone-depleting contents long before I got this
4kcsq - another good reason to cut it out: I could
not in good conscience recharge it. Also,
converting it to R13 would have been a PITA, cost
$, added even more weight to the car, and not
guaranteed ozone-layer friendliness. A little
infrared doesn't hurt, ultraviolet, OTOH, ...)

TIA to all,

Luis

'87 4kcsq