Mine alternator has been doing this for a year now in my 85. I'm still
waiting for it to go. Maybe next year? I have NO intention of replacing it
till it dies.

Bill
'85 GL [*Magic*Bus*]
'82 Westy [FreeBird] ...Cause I'm as free as a bird now...
Big Sky Country                                 ---Ronnie Van Zant

>>>>Roy Mellor <roym@ARISTOTLE.NET>wrote
>
>I have noticed recently that my OXS and Battery dash lights both stay on
>until 2000 rpm is reached in my '85 Westy. Then they both turn off and
>stay off even at lower rpm until the next time I start back up.
>
>It didn't use to do this. Is this a sign of impending doom? I did
>tighten the alternaor belt which was a bit loose, but it didn't change
>things. What esle should I check or is this not a problem?
><<<
>
>My understanding is that your alternator has a weak diode.  The unit
>should continue to perform but you will need to "blip" the throttle on
>start up to bring the alt on-line.  My original alt began doing the same
>thing years before it failed.  Since then I have had 2 alternators which
>did it from day 1.  I was told that this is a common problem for VWs.
>
>One important note: It is more than just an annoyance...  I have always
>been in the habit of reaching in and starting the car when it is cold or
>snowy out and waiting until the car warms or scraping the windows before
>getting in.  I must now rev the van once. One day while at Walmart, my
>wife when out to the car while I waited in the checkout. She started the
>car from the passenger side and turned on the AC... the van ran for about
>20 minutes until the battery was drained and stalled... I had to call AAA
>for a jump start.
>
>Lesson:  When the OXS and BAT lights are on your alternator is not
>providing juice.
>
>If I am wrong in my diagnosis or if anyone knows of a cure for this
>please post.
>
>Eric Small
>Portland, ME
>
>86 GL