VW changed the alternator harness a few times over the years. The
earlier harness is longer with more connections and is more prone to
damage and failure as well as less charging at the battery.

This is another item Jay Brown makes and I have purchased a few from
him. I used to make my own but his are better than I can do. Other
sources sell a similar replacement and VanCafe sells an upgrade that is
a single heavier charging wire that is added to supplement your existing
harness.

Since so many times the stock small blue wire is also a problem I prefer
the complete replacement such as Jay offers but the single added wire is
still a very viable improvement.

https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrelays/alternator-harness

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_780_683/alternator-cable-upgrade.html

Mark

Jim Felder wrote:
>   More discussion on this?
>
> Jim
>>
>> Being an 83 the harness from the alternator is the first thing that needs to  be upgraded
>
> Dennis
>