Hi all.  It's been a while since I was subscribed to the list, mainly
because of a job loss, then a new job, computer crash, then new computer,
buying a house, and having a baby. I'm not currently subscribed to the
list, so please reply off-list, if you can help.

Anyway, my 85 Westy GL (Automatic--79,000 original miles) has been plugging
along fine until this past week.

Symptoms:

Whenever I would put the van over 4,000 RPMs, the OXS and Battery Sensor
Lights on the dash would come on until I slowed down a bit (below 4,000
RPMs).  That has been going on for a few days.  I was due for a van checkup
anyway, and I was going to have my local VW mechanic take a look next week.
(The two sensors typically come on when their is not enough juice when the
van first starts, and I know that this is pretty normal).

Yesterday, I made an 80 mile round trip to a local city.  On the highway, I
noticed the RPM "limit" at which the OXS and Battery sensors would appear
slowly became lower and lower.  Then finally, while driving about 50 mph,
they came on and stayed on until I got home.  They were still on this
morning when I drove to work (20 mile drive).

Problem:  Almost to work, the van slowly died (it acted like the alternator
went bad).  Luckily, I had an extra battery with me, so I switched them out
and drove on to work (the sensors are still on).

Other helpful info:

I just replaced the battery a week ago with a newer (but still used)
battery I pulled out of an 88 Weekender that had caught fire (engine
compartment gone, but interior, etc. still in decent shape).

I'm overdue for an oil change.

What I've done:

Checked the archives (my browser timed out)
Checked Bentley (no help)
Called my mechanic (says it's probably an alternator)

Basically, I would like to know if there is anything else I can check
before I spend the $200 for the 90 AMP alternator (beast) that I'll
(probably) need.

Thanks for all your help!

-Patrick Hatcher
 85' Westy GL "Vicki"

J. Patrick Hatcher
Technical Writer/Systems Trainer
Recognition Research, Inc. (RRI)
1750 Kraft Drive, Suite 2000
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540.961.6500
540.961.3568/fax
http://www.rrinc.com
phatcher@rrinc.com