Sam writes:
> they told me the starter, etc. was okay, but I needed a new
> alternator because mine was putting out 10 amps versus the
> 14 amps it should be delivering.

This would be the cause of your battery dying. If the bus starts up
properly with the new battery, then I'd say the alternator could be
the cause. An easy test is to use a voltmeter to see what voltage is
coming out the back or the alternator.

Alternators generally don't fail internally. Rather the BRUSHES inside
get worn down too short. I believe 5mm is the shortest they should be.
So you should remove the 'brush/regulator' box from the back of the
alternator (it is a black box attached with two screws to the back).
You'll see two black carbon brushes on springs sticking up. Measure
them. If they are around 5mm, you need new brushes. They can be had
fairly cheaply. Ask for a "brush/regulator box for a Bosch alternator".
Install the new brush box, and you should be getting a healthy 14 volts
out of the alternator. This costs A LOT less than a 'rebuilt' alternator
which costs hundreds of dollars.

Paul Henderson
'84 Vanagon WasserBoxer
Bedminster, NJ, USA