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Date:         Tue, 3 Sep 2013 06:23:59 -0400
Reply-To:     "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Alternator Failure 87 Syncro
Comments: To: Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <A6EC3F0A-F92E-4B26-8E76-51D56BEC4F8A@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I would also recommend Bosch rebuilt alternator. Usually the bearings will wear out to the point where the whole center shaft will be on an angle and replacing the voltage regulator will either not work at all or be a temp fix at best. If you were on the side of the road it would be something to try but since you are home and have time, better to fix it right.

I have seen alternators from all different sources. The rebuilt ones from local parts stores are OK if you are broken down on the road, they have one in stock and you just need to get going. How long they will last is hard to know. Usually a year or two since the rebuild is usually just a matter of new bearings, cleaning and painting stuff and a new voltage regulator. Yes many of them come with a lifetime warranty. My question is do you want to go through this same scenerio every year or two?

Bosch alternators are really remanfactured. That means that most parts are new and they actually update/upgrade known problem spots. I have installed many of these over the years for customers and they can last ten years or more with no problems as long as the battery and wiring is in good shape.

In any case, check the battery. If it is more than 3 years old automatically replace it as well. If it is still young have it fully recharged before installing the new alternator.

We have the Bosch alternators in stock if you decide to go that way.

Ken Wilford John 3:16 www.vanagain.com On Sep 2, 2013 2:44 PM, "Donna Skarloken" <dskarloken@gmail.com> wrote:

> I think my alternator failed last night. > > Facts: Left Bug-O-Rama in Sacramento. Probably only about 10 miles > south of Sacramento the alternator/batter light came on. Stayed on a bit > then went out and stayed out. Despite others wanting cold drinks at a > Starbucks, I decided we had better get as close to home and hopefully all > the way home (about 45 miles). Didn't make it; about 15 miles from home > the fuel gauge quit as did the temp gauge. I managed to get to a gas > station. Shut off motor to get gas and would not restart; we tried to push > start but couldn't quite go fast enough; it almost started. Towed home. > > I was going to go to Napa today to get a new one but apparently they > aren't open. I am a novice at repairs so wondered if there is anything > else I should check or any installation advice? Also I would have thought > alternator light would have stayed on? > > Thanks and Happy Labor Day. > > Donna, 87 Syncro


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