Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (January 2017, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Sun, 1 Jan 2017 18:26:36 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Delay on charge/o2sensor indicators after starting..?
Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAHTkEuKKUd-G=hWK_SdL6ZYV9CHSXWXM_86fByeM=_LjUMRrOg@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

I'd like to see closer to 14v at the battery at idle with no load (lights, heater fans, etc.) from a good alternator. Check voltage at alternator and battery to be sure the cable and connections are good, but I think your alternator is undercharging. Get an OEM Bosch rebuilt alternator from a major chain parts store so you can take it back if it's bad. I got one that was charging at 75% out of the box, which is where I think yours is right now and took it back. I don't like ordering alternators and starters on-line for this reason.

Another test you can do is turn the headlights on and rev to 2000 rpm, you should still have close to 14 v at battery. 14.2 is about as good as you can expect.

I've also added this to eliminate that revving annoyance with the light: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=24031 The older I get the less tolerant of annoyances I am.

Stuart.

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Don Hanson Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2017 2:10 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Delay on charge/o2sensor indicators after starting..?

84 Digifant (inline) with previously correct behavior .. I know it's normal for these two lights to remain illuminated until I rev the engine and activate the alternator... The present alternator is perhaps 3yrs old...maybe 60 k miles. I've replaced it one time, and I may have installed new brushes in this one at some time past... can't recall if it was this one or the last one. I also recently re-tensioned the one belt...no power accessories..and I have a new belt expected any day, not bad, the current belt, but I think it is time...Anyway, everything is fine in the belts, the waterpump and the alternator bearings, I checked when I tightened the belt...But this afternoon after a day of no driving, I fired it up...normal cranking, no squeal, but the two indicator lights remained on as I drove off... I saw right away and blipped the throttle and the charging system kicked right in...But that is NOT something I like to ignore, since I may soon be heading back north through winter Nevada and Oregon... So...What should I check? I have some new brushes with me, but I'd rather not remove the alternator here...In the desert sand....I will be putting on the new belt when it arrives... I'm reading the usual charge voltage, same as ever, at the coach battery 13.6v at idle... Anything else I should check that might cause a "sticky" charging system? A relay, or something? I've got lots of those under my seat..😃. Otherwise, once I fixed the missing expansion tank rubber grommets, to keep the fuel dry, the van has been like a champ thanks DH


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.