Date:         Sun, 2 Apr 2000 19:36:59 EDT
Reply-To:     kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: melted alternator wire
Comments: To: gbasey@LINK2000.NET

Gary;
        I believe that wire is undersized. I measured a significant
voltage drop (loss) across it when I ran all the electrical consumers
i.e. A/C, bright lites, blower fan etc. This resulted in low charge
voltage reaching the battery.
         I added (in parallel) an eight gauge wire to help carry the load
on our 85 GL.

Drive Safely & Good Luck
Ken Lewis    <Kernersville,NC>
86 VW crewcab;60 356B Coupe
--------------------------------------------------

On Sun, 2 Apr 2000 15:02:29 -0500 gbasey <gbasey@LINK2000.NET> writes:
>I was driving down the highway when my van ('80 vanagon) lost power
>and
>died.  The battery didn't have enough power to start the van.  I
>charged the
>battery and drove home.  I inspected the alternator wiring and belts
>and
>found that the alternator wire going the the starter had melted.
>Three
>questions:
>
>What could have caused it?
>
>Also what gauge wire is it so I can replace it?
>
>Finally is the supressor condensor necessary?  My alternator doesn't
>have
>one?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Gary

________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.