[Vwdiesel] '82 Jetta charging issue

[George Allison]

I thought the brushes on a Motorola are not removable? Or is that the
regulator... I don't remember.

Related question, because I continue to have the same problems that
are being brought up here. I had a string of alternator problems on my
'81 Rabbit D over the summer, which ended with me having to drive from
central Utah to Los Angeles with the alt unplugged (yes, driving
during the day in an old all-mechanical diesel, it can be done!!).
I've now had 3 alternators in the car (original old Motorola, and then
two rebuilt Bosches from NAPA, the first of which literally exploded
under the hood on the highway). None of them has ever charged at more
than about 13.6v, measured at the battery while running with no other
current consumers turned on. Is that characteristic of VW diesels?
Every other car I've ever owned was further up in the 14.5 range or
thereabouts. If that was too low, what would cause it to be
continually like that -- bad connections? Would that kill the
alternators as well?

Sorry to jack this thread, but maybe the answers to these will help
with the original question...

Thanks!

George

On 1/26/08, Val Christian <val at mongo.mongobird.com> wrote:
> Look at the brushes.  They may be marginal.  Greater problem in
> colder months, and current limits the alternator output by affecting
> the field current.
>
> Remove the brush / regulator assembly.  Check the brush length against
> the bentley spec (13mm??)
>
> If that's the problem, you can get replacement brushes and solder them
> into the holder.  If you're handy, the whole job is 45 minutes.
>
> I've been through this a dozen or more times on various Rabbits.
>
>
>
> >
> > My old diesel Jetta runs the battery down if I use the
> > headlights and heater and wipers, etc. It's OK during
> > the warmer, lighter months. Has the 65-amp Motorola
> > alternator, which tests out just fine. - Where do I
> > start to look for the charging problem?
> > Thanks, David
> >
> >
> >
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