Key on engine off is the alternator warning light on? This is an integral part of the alternator operation. Since this is a Westphalia the refrigerator relay is part of the alternator warning-activation light circuit. 

With engine running it is normal to sometimes have to rev it slightly to get the alternator to "kick in". Measure for voltage at both the battery and the alternator. It is possible for a wire to be burned out somewhere. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of HotelWestfalia
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2012 2:11 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Baffled, giving up

Hi to all,

I was working on the charging of the alternator, because I found the charging being too low.  Took the alt. out and took it to the store for checking.  It passed with almost 14 volts.  Great.  I put it back in the car and got 11.98 volts at the battery, at the alt. same.  Shut the car down and the battery is back to 12.4 volts.  

I can’t think of anything that I can look at.  The only thing happened in the near past is that a radio was installed by a shop.  

Anyone?

Zoltan