Date:         Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:16:54 -0400
Reply-To:     VW Doka <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         VW Doka <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Only 13V from Alternator
Comments: To: Steve Williams <sbw@sbw.org>
In-Reply-To:  <200909041637.n84GbDM52226@sbw.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Steve,

Depending on the charge state of your battery, 13V is perfectly fine.
If you're recharging at night, your battery will require very little
"topping off" after starting the engine.

Cheers,

Jeff



On Fri, Sep 4, 2009 at 12:37 PM, Steve Williams<sbw@sbw.org> wrote:
> I've known for awhile that the batteries aren't getting charged while
> I drive.  The ProMariner has been saving me: It charges the batteries
> each night while I'm parked.
>
> But I just measured the alternator output at idle and at 2,000 rpm:
> 13 volts.  My understanding is that it should be 14.2-14.4 volts.
>
> So, is it pretty easy to replace just the regulator on the
> road?  Somebody point me to a how-to?  (It's mounted on the alternator,
> right?)
>
> Or should I bite the bullet and just get a whole alternator with the
> integrated regulator?
>
> I'm planning to drive some remote stretches on the way back to
> California, and I don't want to get stuck.
>
> http://twitter.com/sbwsty
>
> Thanks.
>