the warning light is on and turns off when the eingine starts. i need to check the voltage as you suggested;�are you saying this is the way to test the alternator if it measures substantially below 13.8, say 13? or is it gone just because of the age�of the vehicle?
thanks�

--- On Fri, 1/20/12, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Battery
To: "'Peter Kote'" <pkote@YAHOO.COM>, vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Friday, January 20, 2012, 5:18 AM

At that mileage if it is the original alternator it is at it's end of life.
The brushes are the first wear point that will make it stop working. With
the key on and engine not running is the alternator warning light on? If not
the brushes are worn or the light circuit wire may be broken. The warning
light circuit is also used to activate the alternator. With light on, start
engine and rev slightly to get the light to turn off. If it stays on still a
problem. With the engine running check the voltage at the main terminal on
the alternator. Should be close to 13.8 volts. If not alternator not
working. With most accessories off should have almost the same at the
batteries. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Peter Kote
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 12:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Battery

I am on a roadtrip�to Belize and have a National Luna unit.� I have two
brand new batteries (41) and�have the unit plugged in all day to the 12 volt
system.� While driving i seem to loose some juice.� This morning the battery
read 13.2 and at the end of the day it read 12.7.� Does this mean my
alternator maybe not be working efficiently? it is the original altenator on
a Westy 90 with 110,000 miles.
�
any feedback would be appreciated - thanks.
pete
�
�