Could be. Are they replaceable ? The 88' WBX alternator Has them? I'm not familiar with that. I should check my Bentley. I know my old VW's generators had them 

Dennis J

Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
Newbury, Vermont 

> On Jul 15, 2016, at 4:17 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
> 
> Could it be brushes in alternator are worn out?  Might partially explain squealing and not making enough voltage.
> Rich
> San Diego
> 
>      From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
> Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 1:05 PM
> Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
> 
> Bad alternator or slipping belt. Check that before you replace it.
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis Jowell [mailto:dennisjowell@gmail.com]
> Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 12:18 PM
> To: Stuart MacMillan
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Checking output of alternator.
> 
> 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
>>