Ok, that "washer" is an critical part of the circuit and broke off the
back side of one of the mounting holes of the reg/brush module. Probably
95% of VWs 1983-1993 used the same reg/brush pack, Vanagon, Golf,
Quantum, Jetta, Fox.....

It is sold as a separate part, no need to replace the whole alternator
if that is all that is wrong.

Mark

Don Hanson wrote:

> Ok, well, during my early morn diagnostic session I removed that little
> two screw 'module' as you called it, Mark.  There seems to be a contact
> with a spring..that was stuck to the module..Also, there fell out a washer
> with a "tail" on it..I think from beneath one of the fixing screws for that
> brush module..this washer is aluminum and has a "leg" about the same size
> as the washer's diameter that comes out on a tangent from the washer
> itself.  Is this important?  It looks to be somekinda contact or ground.  I
> still get no charge after tweeking the brushes, but could this washer have
> something to do with that?  I put it back under the screw that I *think* it
> came from, and I can't see anywhere obvious to make it any other way, but?..
>   So, it looks like off to the autoparts to charge up both my batteries and
> to try to find an alternator 'close by'...Or to head out after charging and
> try to 'limp home' about 7 hours...
>   Thanks,
>   Don Hanson
>
>