A spare alternator brush pak is always a good thing to have in your
emergency repairs kit that  you keep in your van. You DO have an
Emergency Repair Kit, right?? Should have things in it like spare brush
pack, one long sparking plug wire, distributor cap, at least one new
sparking plug, a useable CV joint, etc, etc.

If you do replace the brush pak - while you have the old one out - look
at the copper surface where the brushes ride. You should take a small
piece of 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, place it on that surface, and
holding it down with your finger - rotate the pulley of the alternator
so as to polish that up just a bit. When done, blow it out really good
with compressed air - canned compressed air for computers will work.

Good luck

John

On 9/2/2013 2:20 PM, Donna Skarloken wrote:
> I don't have a spare pack, I'll have to go buy one.
>
>
> On Sep 2, 2013, at 12:17 PM, Mark Tuovinen wrote:
>
>> I agree with Loren that a new brush pack will probably fix it.  They do not cost much and are easy to replace.
>>
>> Mark in AK
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 2, 2013 at 10:44 AM, Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I think my alternator failed last night.
>>
>> Facts:   Left Bug-O-Rama in Sacramento.  Probably only about 10 miles south of Sacramento the alternator/batter light came on.  Stayed on a bit then went out and stayed out.  Despite others wanting cold drinks at a Starbucks, I decided we had better get as close to home and hopefully all the way home (about 45 miles).  Didn't make it; about 15 miles from home the fuel gauge quit as did the temp gauge.  I managed to get to a gas station.  Shut off motor to get gas and would not restart; we tried to push start but couldn't quite go fast enough; it almost started.  Towed home.
>>
>> I was going to go to Napa today to get a new one but apparently they aren't open.  I am a novice at repairs so wondered if there is anything else I should check or any installation advice?  Also I would have thought alternator light would have stayed on?
>>
>> Thanks and Happy Labor Day.
>>
>> Donna, 87 Syncro
>>
>