Alternator is bad, given everything you've said. Test under load with the headlights on and heater fan on, should be over 13.5 minimum, looks like yours isn't. Stuart -----Original Message----- From: Dennis Jowell [mailto:dennisjowell@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 10:47 AM To: Stuart MacMillan Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator. Just got back from a test ride. I checked the output of the alternator at idle its 14.1 at the stud positive and grounded on engine frame and stays there at high rpm. Yesterday I installed a new battery, changed it to 13.5 volts, drove 75 miles, new battery is now at 11.9-12.3. Engine is at running temp. I have no idea where to go now. I thought the 5 years old battery was DOD so,I changed it. All cables and wire are tight on battery and alternator. All have dielectric on them. Help! Any thoughts where or what I should look at? Dennis Jowell Scotch Hollow Farm Newbury, Vermont
> On Jul 14, 2016, at 12:40 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote: > > You need a high end tester/charger for this. Parts stores and Sears > repair shops will test it for free. Should have a minimum 75% output > with headlights lights and heater fan on. Alternatively, you can > measure the voltage at the alternator under this load. Ideal output > should be 14.2 volts, but 14 is typical. If 13.2 or less I consider it junk. > > I've replaced two recently that tested 25% with Bosch rebuilds from my > local supplier (who could also switch the pulley for me), one of which > tested at 50% when installed. They replaced it. It's just the poor QC > of rebuilds, so test your "new" alternator too. > > Stuart > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On > Behalf Of Dennis Jowell > Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 9:11 AM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: Checking output of alternator. > > After driving my Westy to Middlebury, Vermont area decided to visit a > historical site in town. Westy started slow but it started back to the farm. > Stopped at another state park and had some lunch. Westy now won't start!! > Ugh! I used the aux battery to get it going and got home. Main battery > is new. I suspect the alternator is NG. Once again trying to > understand the Bentley test procedures on Pg. 27.18. What is " connect > alternator/regulator tester" ?? All I have is my digital ohm meter. Is > that what they are saying ? > > Dennis J > > Dennis Jowell > Scotch Hollow Farm > Newbury, Vermont > |
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