Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Alternator issues
From:Greg Potts
Date:Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:00:02 -0400

Hi Volks,

Last month I posted a message asking for assistance with my alternator.
It was squealing at startup and the dash light wasn't working and it
wouldn't come up to charge until about 3000 rpm.

Turns out there were a few issues at play. First I replaced the belt. On
the very next day, the water pump failed. I replaced the pump and tested
the alternator warning light circuit, it was fine. I replaced the
alternator with an almost-new spare, it made no difference. Then I tried
an old and crusty spare, it didn't help either.

Today I swapped in the alternator from my wife's bus, she won't be
needing it any time soon since it has a connecting rod poking out of the
case. And it works fine.

So it was the belt AND the alternator, in case anyone was keeping score.

For my next act, I will be swapping the serpentine belt and accessories
from a 2L ABA engine onto a 1.8L 1990 golf engine so that it can be
installed into a 1988 Vanagon. Wish me luck....

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

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »