Alternator awareness

JunkYarDog · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 5:39 pm Post subject: Alternator awareness

Short story of the importance of knowing your vehicle.

I drive my 85 GL daily, and was departing for work the other day when I noticed a whining sound in the stereo system that hadn't been there before. I didn't pay much attention to it as everything else was fine. At lunch I was headed to find food when I noticed a whirring sound that rose and fell with then engine (not in the stereo this time as it was off). I didn't have an opportunity to check it out until I was about to leave work. I determined then that it was the alternator, maybe the bearings, not sure. But I had to get home to look further into it. Once home I got to investigate further. As I removed the belt I noted how hot the alternator was. I then pushed/pulled and rotated the pulley and decided the bearings weren't the cause. I then decided to remove it to go have it tested. I went to disconnect the battery and noticed it was extremely hot as well. I proceeded to remove the alternator and took it and one from my shelf to the local parts store (Oreillys) and had them tested. The one that was installed failed the test and had an output charge reading of 23.8 volts. A second test run showed 22.54 volts. The shelf queen tested good so I installed it.

I did not blow any fuses. And luckily I didn't destroy my battery (Optima red top).
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

kbeefy · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 6:36 pm Post subject:

would've been nice to have a voltmeter.
_________________
86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning

'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.

2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover

2006 Subbie OBXT

2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4

1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9

http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/

JunkYarDog · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:02 pm Post subject:

Absolutely!! It's been added to the list of future mods.
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

noganav · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:47 pm Post subject:

Just in case others are experiencing this, another potential cause of super high voltage is the ground on your battery. I had a bad ground there recently and my alternator got up to 19 volts (measured at the alternator). I didn't even think it was possible! Shocked

kbeefy · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 8:20 pm Post subject:

if your voltage regulator is functioning properly that shouldn't be possible.
All the ground does is complete the circuit, it's not like extra electrons create excessive pressure (voltage) when they don't have anywhere to go, they just don't go there. A bad ground would actually reduce voltage, not increase it.

If you want instant proof, go start any alternator equipped vehicle and disconnect the negative battery cable (some will die, depends on the ignition wiring). You could also disconnect the positive, it will have the same result but more chances for welding the battery cable to something. Then check the voltage.
_________________
86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning

'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.

2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover

2006 Subbie OBXT

2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4

1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9

http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/

JunkYarDog · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 1:22 pm Post subject:

Ok, I forgot to mention something. The shelf queen alternator I installed is a temporary holdover until I order a new replacement. This alternator was removed from either a BMW or a Golf years ago. The mounting and clocking are correct so it works. But... It is missing the wire mounting point that goes to the power steering switch. So, that's not connected at the moment. What kind of issues can I expect???
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

JunkYarDog · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:59 pm Post subject:

Further research leads me to believe the PO replaced the alternator at some point in time with one from a diesel powered Vanagon. The alternator I removed is a 65 amp version and has the "W" connection. My van is an 85 powered by the stock 1.9.

I am having difficulties finding the proper replacement unit at this point. the Oreilly's parts store ordered one for me (lifetime warranty) and it came in next day. But it does not have the pole to attach the power steering switch wire on it that the original does(or as is shown on the image file they have).

In fact the one they ordered matches the temporary I have installed now... I don't need 150 amps etc, I just want the right equipment.
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

JunkYarDog · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 5:18 pm Post subject:

Ok, somebody help me out here. I have had three alternators ordered and all three have been different than the OEM one on the van. The only real difference is they are not equipped with the terminal that you connect the power steering pressure switch to.

I like to put things back in original condition. I could drop the $175 + tax and shipping (X2) needed to order one through van cafe ($55 of that returned for core, understood). Or I could buy local for $75 + tax. Thoughts?

And if I go local do I just disconnect the PS switch?
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

Ahwahnee · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 6:12 pm Post subject:

JunkYarDog · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 4:52 pm Post subject:

Went with FLAPS alternator, it works fine and I guess the power steering pressure switch is not a huge deal. I never found anything on it here or in the Bentley.
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 5:45 pm Post subject:

The power steering switch wires have no reason to be connected to the alternator so I don't understand what you mean.

Mark

RBEmerson · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 8:26 am Post subject:

RBEmerson · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 8:27 am Post subject:

JunkYarDog · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 10:54 am Post subject:

If the switch does not connect to the alternator (as it was when I got it), where would it go?

I found this
"Power Steering (P/S) Pressure Switch
The P/S oil pressure switch signals the ECU when the power steering load is high. The ECU then sends a voltage signal to the idle stabilization valve to increase idle speed with power steering load."

And I just found this from a previous attempt to figure this out.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=226816
_________________
I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50352

On early Vanagons there were up to two valves that were used to supplement idle air flow when extra load was applied to the engine. One for the power steering and one for the A/C. I would presume that the P/S pressure switch which controlled one of these valves may have been grounded to the body of the alternator. If so just remove the ground tap from your old alternator and put it on your new one.


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1