On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 11:07 PM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:
....... If I assume somewhere before Borrego Springs then I got
> about 70 miles on the battery alone and that was running with the headlights
> on (and they are 80 watts each). I did NOT get a red warning light. If one
> of the brushes goes (and one of mine seemed to have disappeared, more on
> that later) you wont' get the red warning light. If you loose a belt and
> the alternator isn't turning, yes, you will get the light. I've encountered
> this in vehicles other than VWs over the years. BUT, and this is the first
> lesson, WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH THE ALTERNATOR DASH LIGHT DID
> NOT COME ON AS IT SHOULD WHEN EVERYTHING IS OKAY. I checked this before
> replacing the regulator. But who actually pays any attention to the test
> mode on those lights when starting anyway? Well, I think I will in the
> future. Another lesson also learned. Part way over the windy, twisty, up
> and down road my gas gauge was telling me I'd used nearly half a tank of gas
> in 55 miles. I knew I was bucking a hell of a headwind that day but it
> never dawned on me that the gauge was reading wrong because of low voltage.
>
> Second Lesson: DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THESE: http://tinyurl.com/bqrrj6

Great real life info Loren.

Who looks at idiot lights prior to starting the engine? I installed
this: http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/highpressureoilswitchbuzzer
for my engine conversion. Now I get a "secret" pleasure staring at the
blinking red oil light prior to starting the engine. Truly mesmerizing
 ;) But your point is important. Oil light is another one to watch too
during warm up.

I wondered how useful having the aux battery correctly connected to
the starter would be. Sounds very convenient to me.

And..... I had never thought of carrying a spare set of brushes. I
used to carry a spare alternator, but your spare part plan makes more
sense. Thanks for showing pic of tool used. I don't even own one of
those!

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines