With load alternator is 14.4 then it started to make loud squealing noises VOM went down to 13.8 if I accelerate to 3000 rpm's volts jump between 13.4 -14.4 but not all the time.
Conclusions?

Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
Newbury, Vermont 

> On Jul 15, 2016, at 2:15 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Alternator is bad, given everything you've said.  Test under load with the
> headlights on and heater fan on, should be over 13.5 minimum, looks like
> yours isn't.
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis Jowell [mailto:dennisjowell@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 10:47 AM
> To: Stuart MacMillan
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
> 
> Just got back from a test ride. I checked the output of the alternator at
> idle its 14.1 at the stud positive and grounded on engine frame and stays
> there at high rpm. Yesterday I installed a new battery, changed it to 13.5
> volts, drove 75 miles, new battery is now at 11.9-12.3. Engine is at running
> temp. I have no idea where to go now. I thought the 5 years old battery was
> DOD so,I changed it. All cables and wire are tight on battery and
> alternator. All have dielectric on them.
> Help! Any thoughts where or what I should look at?
> 
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury, Vermont 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 14, 2016, at 12:40 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>> 
>> You need a high end tester/charger for this.  Parts stores and Sears 
>> repair shops will test it for free. Should have a minimum 75% output 
>> with headlights lights and heater fan on. Alternatively, you can 
>> measure the voltage at the alternator under this load.  Ideal output 
>> should be 14.2 volts, but 14 is typical. If 13.2 or less I consider it
> junk.
>> 
>> I've replaced two recently that tested 25% with Bosch rebuilds from my 
>> local supplier (who could also switch the pulley for me), one of which 
>> tested at 50% when installed.  They replaced it. It's just the poor QC 
>> of rebuilds, so test your "new" alternator too.
>> 
>> Stuart
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On 
>> Behalf Of Dennis Jowell
>> Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 9:11 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Checking output of alternator.
>> 
>> After driving my Westy to Middlebury, Vermont area decided to visit a 
>> historical site in town. Westy started slow but it started back to the
> farm.
>> Stopped at another state park and had some lunch. Westy now won't start!!
>> Ugh! I used the aux battery to get it going and got home. Main battery 
>> is new. I suspect the alternator is NG. Once again trying to 
>> understand the Bentley test procedures on Pg. 27.18. What is " connect 
>> alternator/regulator tester" ?? All I have is my digital ohm meter. Is 
>> that what they are saying ?
>> 
>> Dennis J
>> 
>> Dennis Jowell
>> Scotch Hollow Farm
>> Newbury, Vermont
>> 
>