Eating alternators...

[Huw Powell]

> My 1988 90Q has now eaten it's second alternator in as many years.  Is
> this a problem for other people

No, not usually.

My '89 90Q with 260k on it finally needed a new voltage regulator 
(brushes worn).  Last week, it started charging intermittently (or is 
that stopped charging, intermittently?) which is an almost sure sign of 
worn brushes.  Which isn't bad, considering that I have put 80k on the 
car so far.  Luckily at the last second on Friday I noticed/remembered, 
and dropped into Atlantic Imported to pick up a new VR.  Got a "KAE" for 
about $25, and some stainless bolts for it at the hardware store, and 
threw it in on Saturday.

After the "break in" of ten minutes or so of it not charging and me 
worrying, it kicked in and is giving me a solid 14 volts at the gauge, 
which is really cool.  Goes down to about 13.9 with high beams, fan on 
3, and loud stereo.

I suspect a lot of alternators get replaced when all they need is VR's, 
though of course, bearings, diodes, and windings do go bad.  I've just 
never seen it happen.  I have a box of about 6 VAG alternators and any 
of them would work fine if they had new VRs/brushes installed.

A "rebuilt" alt that only lasts one year is scary... I don't mind buying 
"cheap" rebuilt electricals - as long as they come with a lifetime 
warranty, like the starters on my coupe and 90Q, $100 at VIP. 
Otherwise, I'd prefer a "really" rebuilt alternator done by somebody 
local, with a name and a reputation to protect.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/