I got a replacement alternator from NAPA (Lifetime Guaranty) and that fixed
the problem.

Now I have my ALT/OXY lights when I turn on the key, the fridge relay
doesn't make as soon as I connect the battery, and there is no little spark
when I touch the neg cable to the battery post.

Mike

> Today, after a number of normal short trips in my '85 Westy, I parked in
> front of discount store for a time and upon emerging, found the battery
had
> discharged to the point it would not crank the engine.  The battery is not
> old.  Being in a hurry to go to the airport to pick up an arriving
visitor,
> I just went back into the store and bought another battery.  (I'll hook up
> one as an aux battery soon)
>
> I noticed that there was a small spark when making the final (ground)
> connection to the battery and heard the fridge relay click with each touch
> of the negative cable to the battery post.  I then noticed that, upon
> turning on the ignition, there was the oil light but no alternator or OXY
> light.
>
> I went to the airport and picked up my friend then drove the 50 miles back
> home.  It was raining heavily and I had the headlights and wipers on.  I
> could shut down and restart with all sounding normal, but, still no ALT or
> OXY light.
>
> It appears to me that the contacts in the voltage regulator have fused
> connecting the battery and the alternator at all times, so I disconnected
> the battery cable and came in out of the rain.
>
> Does it sound like a voltage regulator problem to you guys?
>
> Mike
>
> '84 GL 7 pass
> '85 GL Westy
> '00 GLS Beetle