Short? Alternator? Ground?

[Phil Payne]

> > 4kq with brand new battery.  Doesn't get more than 10 volts and 
> > sputters on acceleration.  It will not move with any 
> > consumers(headlights, radio, etc.) going.  Warning lights on dash are
> >  glowing very faintly. ....  Could this be my alternator  saying bye
> > bye? ... I went through this two days ago and the car magicaly cured
> > itself and was fine for a day.  Any help is appreciated.
> 
> Soundslike there's a good chance the brushes on your voltage regulator 
> are worn down.  It's mounted on the back of the alternator with two 
> screws, one of which might be very difficult to remove as it is also the 
> ground path for the rotor winding.  They are also tough to get to 
> because of clearance to the AC condenser.

http://www.isham-research.com/quattro/alternator_brushes.html

-- 
  Phil Payne
  http://www.isham-research.com
  +44 7785 302 803