Bad alternator bearings can also lead to the shrieking belt syndrome.
Needing to rev to start charging is a sign the warning light system is not
right. Does the warning light work? If yes then did you change the fridge
relay with something different for say charging a second battery?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Greg Potts
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 12:05 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Alternator question

Hi Volks,

There are two issues I have noticed recently with my 87 Wolfsburg...

firstly, the alternator belt has been shrieking like a banshee; mostly at
start-up, but occasionally I have noticed it at stoplights or when revving
slightly as I am pulling away from the curb. The belt tension is good and
the belt seems to be in good shape. Over the weekend I swapped the
alternator with a good condition slightly used unit this week I am seeing
the same results.  I have purchased a replacement belt but haven't had
opportunity to install it yet as the weather here has turned for the worse
this week.

The other thing I have noticed is that the alternator is not charging until
I throttle the engine up to around 2500 rpms. It sits at 12V after I start
the engine and doesn't rise to 14V until I blip the throttle.
Once it comes up to 14 it stays there until the engine is shut off again,
with minor drops depending on load.

Comments?

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario Canada
197x Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop (ND Graphics graphics wrap)
1988 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop (Colleen's ride) Engine conversion blog:
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/wordpress/
www.pottsfamily.ca

BUSES OF THE CORN - AUGUST 12-14th, 2011 www.busesofthecorn.ca