Check the brush block at rear of alternator(held in place by 2 screws).This
was the cause of a similar problem.A auto-electrician can quickly check the
alt. operation.
Hope this helps
GerryR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Hatcher" <phatcher@RRINC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 1999 7:32 AM
Subject: OXS and Battery Light? Van Dies.

> 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
>