When my alternator started giving trouble, I got a replacement voltage
regulator from a local auto parts store and put it in w/o having to remove
the alternator.  Plenty of skinned knuckles on a dark, cold day, but it
solved the problem and cost was less than $40.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
'84 7-passenger

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Fox" <afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 9:19 PM
Subject: alternator brushes was: Re: Engine install question

> Replacing the brushes is easy although I don't know if it will fix your
> problem.  To replace the brushes remove the alternator, then remove teh
> black plastic box on the back which is the voltage regulator and it holds
> the brushes in.  After removing the box the brushes will fall out of their
> slots in the voltage regulator.  You will be able to tell if they need to
> be replaced or not by how short they are.  If they need replacing grind
> off the solder on the outside of the black box which will free the
> brushes, buy new brushes ($2) and solder their wires back where the old
> ones were.  This is easy and it will all make sense once the alternator is
> out.  If you need to replace the alternator check tom carrington's site
> for info on using a cheaper bug alternator.
>
> I would recommend checking your brushes before a very long trip as
> preventive maintence and if your alterntor light ever comes on while
> driving pull over immediately as you may have broken the alternaor/water
> pump belt (happened to me last weekeend) no serious problem.
>
> later,
> Andrew fox
>
>
> On Mon, 22 Apr 2002, developtrust wrote:
>
> > Steve Freyling, a local list member, came over to help me diagnose my
> > alternator. He says it should put out 14.5 or so on a volt meter and
mine is
> > putting out 13.3 or so.
> >
> > Any advice anyone in what the problem might be? How easy will it be for
me
> > to replace the brushes?
> >
> > William
> > 1989 Vanagon GL
> > 1988 Mercedes 300SE
> >
>