[Vwdiesel] Alternator Issues

[Val Christian]

Check the brushes on the ALT.  I've been able to get replacement 
brushes at places like AutoZone, and if you have equipment on hand
to solder, you're in luck.  In a pinch, I once shimmed the brush
to spring with a 4x folded soda can fragment, and that extended the
brush enough to get me back on a trip, and keep the AC running (grin).

Val


> 
> Hey all-
> 
> On my way to San Fransisco today, the alternator
> started acting goofy.
> 
> Sometimes it will charge, sometimes it won't.  Usually
> if I'm driving, the tach will work and give a reading
> that looks to be normal, though if I push in the
> clutch, the needle will drop to 0 until the clutch is
> released again.
> 
> The dash light is on when it isn't charging.  I
> noticed that if I just turn the key to the on position
> before starting it, that the dash light is on but
> dimmer than normal.
> 
> It would eventually start charging, but I think it has
> to be revved pretty high, like over 3500 before it'll
> start charging.  
> 
> I tried unplugging and plugging in the connector a
> couple times, hoping it would clean up the connection
> and fix it, but no avail.
> 
> Any ideas?  I am here to deliver the car after just
> selling it and I feel like I should probably deliver
> it in the condition that it was described.  
> 
> Please say it is something cheap and easy to fix.  
> 
> Also, the vacuum pump crapped out on the way here, but
> I know how that is fixed...  I think the car is pissed
> at me!
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> David
> 
> 
> VW Parts for sale!
> http://community.webshots.com/user/superdave5599
> 
> 
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