Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:10:24 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
In-Reply-To: <566D0F2E-0428-4FB8-B285-376D120BCB1C@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Quit wasting time and get a new (Bosch rebuilt) alternator. This one is not
worth messing with.
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Jowell [mailto:dennisjowell@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 1:25 PM
To: Stuart MacMillan
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
Belt is tight I checked that first. With WBX at idle when I hold a
screwdriver to the alternator and my ear I can hear a sound like the
bearings are noisy. AC and power steering are fairly quiet comparing all 3.
Battery is receiving no additional volts as per my digital ohm meter.
Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
Newbury, Vermont
> On Jul 15, 2016, at 4:05 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
> Bad alternator or slipping belt. Check that before you replace it.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis Jowell [mailto:dennisjowell@gmail.com]
> Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 12:18 PM
> To: Stuart MacMillan
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
>
> With load alternator is 14.4 then it started to make loud squealing
> noises VOM went down to 13.8 if I accelerate to 3000 rpm's volts jump
> between 13.4
> -14.4 but not all the time.
> Conclusions?
>
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury, Vermont
>
>
>>> On Jul 15, 2016, at 2:15 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> 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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