There is a regulator on the alternator, held by two little bolts.  It is on
the back of it, next to the big wires.  If the alternator is not charging
well, it is because of the regulator's brushes are too short.  You would
either change the whole regulator or change the brushes if you can find
small ones somewhere.
Zoltan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Chameides" <docproteus@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 10:24 PM
Subject: Stupid Alternator Question

>I just took the alternator out of my 83 1.6 diesel to have it rebuilt and I
> noticed that it ties in directly to the battery.  So my question is, is
> this
> wrong or is there some sort of device in the alternator that monitors the
> battery and tells the alternator when to charge the battery and when not
> to.
> In my old Studebaker (first car) I remember a regulator in between the
> alternator and the battery.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Dave