Voltage regulator and idiot light question

[Max Baker]

Hi Louis-Alain,

There was just a great discussion on the 24 Hours of LeMons list about 
cut-off switches.  Apparently the Sparco ones are very prone to failure, 
and one team went through a couple of them.   But I guess that's a 
little late for you.

-m


Louis-Alain Richard wrote:
> Hi there,
>
>  
>
> My car, an 1983 urQuattro with a Bosch 90A alternator and a battery under
> the rear seat, had a voltage regulator problem last week. The problem (+16V)
> made the battery boil and lose half of its water, and made the driver a bit
> dizzy. More, when the driver stopped, the car wouldn't restart, no more
> juice at all. But, the problem was not the dead battery : I've installed a
> SPARCO safety electrical cut-off switch between the front seats, and it
> looks that it melted internally, preventing current flow. 
>
>  
>
> But why the ALT idiot light never lit ? 
>
>  
>
> Isn't it suppose to show any problem, no charge or overcharge ? I've
> installed a voltmeter, but to keep the dashboard stock looking, it is in the
> glovebox with the air-fuel ratio meter and the diff lock rotary switch. The
> 3-hole center panel is filled with oil and water temp, and oil pressure. I
> was sure these meters were more important than voltmeter, but I may
> reconsider my choice now.
>
>  
>
> Louis-Alain
>
> 1983 Quattro with a new battery, new voltage regulator, new switch and a
> funny smell in the cabin.
>
>  
>
> _______________________________________________
> quattro mailing list
> quattro at audifans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/quattro
> ---
> Watch this space for ads :)
>
>