everyone is saying to check the brushes on the regulator john.
unfortunately, you can't quite get that part out of the alternator without
removing it from a waterboxer engine.
but that would be where to go next.
of have a flaps bench test your alternator.
but take the regulator out of the back of the alt and let us know what you
find there.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 09, 2009 5:36 PM
Subject: Alternator Light Just Came On

> Cruising down the road today - suddenly the alt light came on. Battery
> had enough juice to get me home.
>
> Alternator Type - Beck/Arnly Reman.
> Checked the Alt belt - it was good. Tension was good
> Checked the Batt. It was good. electrolyte up to marks. Charged battery
> - it was low after running without Alt charging.
> Cleaned Batt box - adjunct to charging the battery.
> All terminal posts were already cleaned in earlier maintenance - clean
> metal to metal contact.
> Lights, turn signals, OX light and Alt light all work.
>
> So, where do I go from here? I'm pretty weak on the charging system. Any
> offering would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver