Hi John,
     Lights flashing indicate the alternator brushes are probably worn out.
If you can solder they are readily available and easily replaced. From my
experience you have less than 1k miles after the lights begin to flash
before the alternator will no longer charge the battery.  It is possible in
an emergency to push the voltage regulator down a bit and squeeze a few more
miles from the brushes. The bentley has a procedure for checking the
brushes.
Darrell Boehler

----- Original Message -----
From: John McLean <jaymac@INTERNETCDS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2000 10:57 PM
Subject: Intermittent OX2 / alternator lights

> Listees,
>
> The recent thead re: the proposed Vanagon list sticker has been fun to
> watch!   I can't wait to see the the outcome of that    I wish I had
> some artistic contribution to make.
>
> If I EVER thought about using a quiky lube in the past I have once and
> for all discarded that faulty notion.
>
> I've always filled my filters with oil before installation.  I can't
> even remember what made me start the practice.  Maybe just plain logical
> I guess.
>
> Now the problem:
> Recently my OX2 and Alt. lights have begun flashing quikly off and on at
> random.  The fequency and brightness increases with either load
> (ie:climbing a hill) or RPM (as in graeter than 3400) .  If I just drive
> easy like 60 mph or so at 3200RPM  I don't see the lights flash at all
> (yet).
> Any wisdom shed on me would be appreciated.
>
> John McLean   87 Vanagon GL  197,000 miles
>