Absolutely. Only a fresh, high quality properly sized alternator can deliver
the desired 14 to 15 volts that are ideal.  It will charge the battery as
long as it's over 13 volts at all times.  I agree with your last comment,
which is why I would have bought a '91 if I could have afforded one!  So,
I'll do the next best thing and upgrade my '85 over the years and spend even
more money!

I'm not sure your comment applies to the Eurovan though.  When they reduced
the price by over $4000 in 2001 to try to stay in the US market you got a
more powerful engine but they had to take out some other things, like
quality!

Stuart

From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans [mailto:scottdaniel@turbovans.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 3:15 PM
To: Stuart MacMillan
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 1991 digital clock

I'd say a lot of waterboxer vanaogns are not getting 14 volts to the
battery.
I'm checking an 85 right now ..
it's got 13.8 at the alternator, only 13.4 at the battery.

on m own 85 I added an extra battery cable ...that helped get
measured-at-the battery charging voltage closer to the voltage measured at
the alternator.
VW made the main battery cable bigger in 86 of course ..bad habit of theirs
...upgrade to what it should have been in the first place as the year models
progress.

On 3/6/2013 3:09 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:

It is low, but not unusual if measured off the cigarette lighter in our rigs
with all the old connections.  Best to measure voltage right at the battery,
where it should be at least 14v (with engine running of course). If less,
your alternator isn't up to snuff for the work it's being asked to do.

Stuart