Always be sure that the charging relay/brush holder unit is in 100%
condition, as a faulty diode in the relay will "leak" current to ground and
eventually drain the battery. The wires seem to be connected right, the red
wires goes to the battery, fuse box and diagnostic plug. The blue wire goes
to the charging light on the dash. Also, you must be 100% sure that the
charge light gets positive current, as the alternators need a small drain
through the charge light connection to start producing current. The brush
holder/charging relay should be only available in two or three types to
cover most Bosch alternators, regardless of output, and they should not be
too expensive at your FLAPS. Hella does in fact make a "winter" type
charging relay, available here in Norway at least, which pumps out 14,4
volts, instead of the standard 13,8 volts. This really helps to get some
extra juice out of the battery to aid in cold starts. They make the lights
brighter, and stereo louder too :-)

Per Lindgren
88 Syncro

Gary Kovach wrote:

> Would someone check that I have wired my alternator correctly.  My brand
> new battery goes dead about every 4 days so I figure that it is not
> charging.  I did have the engine out and all wires disconnected and may
> have failed to reconnect something.
> This is an 88 Vanagon - so looking into the engine compartment and over
> the alternator, I see 2 red wires (larger gage) and 1 blue (smaller
> gage) coming from a sheath which leads to the back "firewall".  The 2
> reds are attached to the larger stud  and the blue is attached to the
> smaller stud on the alternator.  Another red wire comes from the left
> side near the coil area and attaches to the large stud with the other 2
> reds - now 3 reds are attached to the larger stud and nut. Is this
> correct?
>
> Yes, the belt is firm on the alternator, and yes I do have good contacts
> at the battery.
>
> Thanks,
> Gary
> 88GL