Date:         Sat, 16 Jul 2016 18:12:25 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Checking output of alternator.
Comments: To: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <434814A2-DDE8-419F-841A-A599610EE382@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

What a surprise :-)

Lesson learned if the voltage at the alternator differs more than, say 0.2 - 0.3 volts than the voltage at positive terminal of battery then you have a poor connection or bad wire running between the two.

The alternator was trying to do its job, but insufficient voltage at battery to charge.

Alistair

> On Jul 16, 2016, at 3:22 PM, Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> 
> WOW,! Found the problem finally. Checking my Bentley electric schematic for the 88' Westy I found and realized the alternator and starter circuit to be simply 2 plus wires. Crawled under the Westy took all the starter wires off from the GOWESTY starter. Sanded, cleaned, added dielectric grease, tighten everything up and EUREKA. I  now have 14.4 at the alternator and 14+ at the battery. The alternator is charging the battery correctly. Apparently the GOWESTY starter has this long extending connecting arm of copper to the battery cable connector that got corroded and possibly loose after the initial install. (done by others) about  3'years ago. 
> Another learning experience which is good for me.Thanks for all the suggestions and help.
> Now to replace the GOWESTY front heater valve again, when I get the replacement one delivered to me,
> Love my Westy !
> DennisJ
> 
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury, Vermont 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 16, 2016, at 7:37 AM, Mark Drillock <modrillock@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> The red charging wire goes from the alternator to the starter post and then a huge cable goes from there to the battery. If yours is older than 1987 the red charging wire may have a junction inside the engine compartment wiring box where red power wires have a junction stud. I would most suspect a problem at the alternator end or starter end of the red wire, then inside the wiring box if pre 87.