Thanks to all who responded.

I have to rev up the engine quite a bit to have the charging start, even though the charging light is off.  Perhaps the voltage regulator is not kicking in as early as in other cars.  

Scott mentioned, sometimes it may need to be revved up to get the charging to start.  

Thank again, 
Zoltan

From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans 
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2012 11:49 PM
To: HotelWestfalia 
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Subject: Re: Baffled, giving up

What's the status of the blue wire to the alternator ?
is the instrument cluster  installed ? 
Does the warning light come on when you turn on the key ? 
The alternator won't 'wake up' until it's excited by the blue wire connection.

On 10/3/2012 11:10 PM, HotelWestfalia wrote:

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

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