Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:09:55 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <macgroup@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <macgroup@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: proper voltages
In-Reply-To: <B93CEC77BF22AC4BAC3153499966BC536D11CA@sya01.SYA.local>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
You betcha. In the past I've paid $100 to $150 for a quality rebuild at an
auto electric shop, if I bring it in. Amounts vary depending on how
comprehensive the rebuild is. Since these are usually pretty old
alternators, I've gone full boat--new bearings and everything else. You can
tell these guys what you want done.
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Halsey [mailto:WHalsey@sya.org]
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 4:08 AM
To: Stuart MacMillan; David Beierl; Michael Diehr; Scott Daniel - Turbovans
Subject: RE: proper voltages
Dear Friends,
Last night I polished the connections at the alternator and came up with
the following readings:
Across the poles of the battery, engine off 12.02, then 11.96
Across the poles of the battery, engine on 11.65
At the alternator pole, engine on of course 11.60
From the alternator to the junction box
(red and white wires, engine on) 0
Conclusion: I am no longer losing power between the alternator and the
junction box ... but I need to have the alternator rebuilt.
Can anyone confirm those conclusions?
Many thanks,
Woody
83.5 V'gon
Haverhill, MA
-----Original Message-----
From: Stuart MacMillan [mailto:macgroup@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 1:03 PM
To: Woody Halsey; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: proper voltages
Well, each cell generates a little over 2v, but internal resistance
usually
gives you 12v to 12.4v at the terminals. Alternators are set to put out
between 13.6v to 14.2v at any rpm, but that can drop under load or at
low
speed. High speed should be at least 13.6v, if not, your alternator is
weak
or too small for the load. Vanagon Westies should have a 90amp
alternator,
but output will drop with age.
Sounds like you are due for a new one, or take yours to a good auto
electric
shop for rebuilding.
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of
Woody Halsey
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: proper voltages
Dear List,
Can anyone tell me what voltage readings I should be getting from my
battery:
1) with engine off
2) with engine idling
3) with engine at high RPM (if I can figure out how to test that)
My mechanic states that since the readings do not go above 13V when the
engine is running, the alternator must be malfunctioning. Is that true?
P.S. My paint/rust/insulation/interior detailing projects are finally
completed. Of course I will never take it out of the garage again for
fear of getting wet, but she sure looks nice. My surgeon wife likens her
to an elderly lady with a face job: beautiful on the outside, but just
waiting for a key organ to cease functioning.
Thanks,
Woody