Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 22:22:49 -0700
Reply-To: Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@YAHOO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@YAHOO.CA>
Subject: Update on the alternator story
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So I just found a note on busboys web site that might explain the short life of my replacement regulator.
--- On Sat, 5/14/11, Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@yahoo.ca> wrote:
> I have two regulators, a round Bosch and an square unnamed.
> The Bosch ran for 15 years, then brushes wore a bit short,
> so I replaced it in the last trip with the aftermarket, that
> I had pulled off another alternator (but given the brush
> length must be near new). This worked for about 400km while
> I drove home, but quit in the next trip.
Here is from busboy's site:
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http://www.bus-boys.com/charging84diesel.html
Y. 070-903-803A Bosch Internal Voltage Regulator, Rectangular Housing with Brushes (30062), 1981 $18.00
Z. 068-903-803B Bosch Internal Voltage Regulator, Round Button Housing with Brushes (30091), 1981 to 1984 $53.85
NOTE: Voltage regulators must be installed like for like. Do not install a round button housing regulator into an alternator originally equipped with a rectangular housing regulator or vise versa. Damage will occur to both the regulator and alternator if these parts are mis-matched.
------------------------------
The Bentley manual of course said nothing about this. Bentley only said that a condensor should be fitted when replacing with a newer regulator if not already there. But I had that.
There seems to be a zillion different part numbers for the Bosch regulators, many which are likely compatible. Some that are not. Would this be the right replacement for the 65A Diesel alternator?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230566083676&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I agree with Dennis and others that it's time to start saving for a rebuilt. But I should have a working spare voltage regulator also. And that is a small thing that can be mailed to me quickly. Figuring out where to best buy (and how to ship at a reasonable rate -- I'm in Edmonton, north western Canada)
Another alternative is to look for a used alternator in low milage junk yard cars.
Do the alternators from any of the newer VW or other cars fit the Vanagon Diesel?
I understand that a lot of the 80's VW had a similar alternator housing to the Vanagon Diesel, but I may need to change the sprocket. However these are likely to have alternators as worn as mine.
Thanks,
Martin (and Poppie '82 Westy 1.9TD)