Holman Scott, All others please disregard, RE: Ultranator for Audi Coupe Quattro

[Avi Meron]

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Scott,
All my emails to you are being bounced so I have no choice but send it via
the list, SORRY guys!

Scott, see below!

-----Original Message-----
From: Holman, Scott [mailto:sholman at ppg.com]
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 9:24 AM
To: 'Avim at pacbell.net'
Subject: Ultranator for Audi Coupe Quattro

About 6 months ago, I replaced the alternator in my 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro
with a reman Bosch unit that I got from Blau.

Since I installed the new alternator, I have been experiencing a couple of
minor but very irritating electrical problems.
The first problem is that when I start the car, the instrument cluster
warning lights will remain illuminated until I rev the engine to get the
RPMs up.  Also, the voltage gauge does not jump to operating voltage until
the engine is revved.  Obviously, none of my electrical accessories work on
full power until voltage is at operating levels (ie, lights will be dim upon
start up.)  This behavior occurs every time I start my car, but the RPM
which causes the voltage to reach normal levels can vary by several hundred
RPMs.
The first thing to check is how tight is the drive belt, it might be
slipping!

I asked about this problem on the 20v.org mailing list and several people
mentioned that this was normal behavior and I should just live with it.
However, I asked the same question on the AudiWorld 80/90 forum and three
people stated that this is most likely due to a defective alternator and
that the reman Bosch units often exhibit this type of behavior.
I am not sure what exactly would cause the alternator to act like that short
of belt slippage or brushes (part of the regulator) that are not making a
good contact with the slip rings on the alternator.

The second problem I am having (presumably related) is that I occasionally
(once every 2 or 3 months) blow the fuse that controls the instrument
cluster (among other things).
All you might need (may be) might be a new regulator?
*         BTW, how is the alternator being able to take the electrical acc.
Load? To do this test run the engine at 2000RPM and connect a voltmeter
across the battery, you should have the following:
*         At no load 13.8-14volts
*         With the lights on above 13volts
*         With the AC on, the blower on max, the lights on no less than 12.2
volts

Please let me know your opinion on this and whether you think the Ultranator
will solve my problems.
The Ultarnator has a VERY good chance of solving the problem because:
*         It has higher capacity (AMPS) than the OEM unit 150 vs 110
*         It has a voltage regulator of 14.5Volts, OEM is 14.0Volts

Also, other than price, is there any reason that I wouldn't 150 amp
Ultranator over the 130 amp version?
*         You have to use the 150AMP (a converted 110Amp unit), since your
car will not accept the smaller Ultranator, it requires a different bracket
and it fits the older cars.


Thanks,
Scott Holman





-----Original Message-----
From: Holman, Scott [mailto:sholman at ppg.com]
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 9:24 AM
To: 'Avim at pacbell.net'
Subject: Ultranator for Audi Coupe Quattro

About 6 months ago, I replaced the alternator in my 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro
with a reman Bosch unit that I got from Blau.

Since I installed the new alternator, I have been experiencing a couple of
minor but very irritating electrical problems.
The first problem is that when I start the car, the instrument cluster
warning lights will remain illuminated until I rev the engine to get the
RPMs up.  Also, the voltage gauge does not jump to operating voltage until
the engine is revved.  Obviously, none of my electrical accessories work on
full power until voltage is at operating levels (ie, lights will be dim upon
start up.)  This behavior occurs every time I start my car, but the RPM
which causes the voltage to reach normal levels can vary by several hundred
RPMs.

I asked about this problem on the 20v.org mailing list and several people
mentioned that this was normal behavior and I should just live with it.
However, I asked the same question on the AudiWorld 80/90 forum and three
people stated that this is most likely due to a defective alternator and
that the reman Bosch units often exhibit this type of behavior.

The second problem I am having (presumably related) is that I occasionally
(once every 2 or 3 months) blow the fuse that controls the instrument
cluster (among other things).

Please let me know your opinion on this and whether you think the Ultranator
will solve my problems.

Also, other than price, is there any reason that I wouldn’t 150 amp
Ultranator over the 130 amp version?


Thanks,
Scott Holman