Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 20:23:20 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Electrical fits!!
In-Reply-To: <005d01c3f99c$d93e0280$04fea8c0@sprintw2i4klpx>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
You didn't say if your van was an automatic or manual transmission so
I'll assume a standard. These starters can not be bench tested as the
gear end of the starter is supported by a bushing in the transmission
housing. Since the auto zone tech did not recognize this, we know why he
is working there.
As for the bat and oxy lights flickering and then dying, this is a sign
of a failing alternator. The bat light is part of the activation
circuit. When the ignition is switched on, it provides some current to
excite the alternator so it can "turn on". The light provides some
isolation so that when the ignition is switched off, feedback from the
alternator does not keep the engine running. This light should always
turn on when the ignition is switched on, and then turn off after the
engine is started and the alternator begins producing current. The oxs
light is also part of this circuit as a bulb check. These warning lights
also serve as a warning for the alternator and water pump belt. If the
belt breaks, the water pump also stops. This requires immediate engine
shut down. Do not rely on the water temperature gauge as the sender is
not on the engine. With out the water pump, the temp gauge will not
indicate a problem until the temp of the heads is such that you have
steam. At this point you will start to blow hoses, split plastic
manifolds, damage coolant pipes, and of couse mess up the head gaskets.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of J. Naser Motlagh
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 6:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Electrical fits!!
I was traveling and my oxy and bat light started to flicker, It seemed
to subside as the rpms got higher, then it just died. I replaced the
battery and it seemed to be fine for a couple of days, and then while
driving at night, the lights started to dim, and finally I slowed to a
dead stop. I took the battery in for a recharge, replaced the
alternator, now nothing. I recharged that battery and it was able to
move my baby up the drive way. That was all she wrote. Next, I took
the started to my local AutoZone for a bench test. It did not test
consistently at all, and there was a distinct grinding sound. The tech
said that if it wasn't the problem, it soon would be. So I've got a new
battery, a new alternator and on Monday, a new starter.
Any troubleshooting to do while the starter is out?
---
J. Naser Motlagh
1986 Golden Westy
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