90a Alternator-should a warning light have come on

[Sir Brixalot]

Mines packed up and is only 11.5v as I found out when I suddenly came to a halt last night. I've already swapped the regulator a few months ago. I had ordered a lucas from ECP for £90 after discount but its gone out of stock. Has anyone got a link to a good deal as I understand other VWs fit but I'm not sure which ones

[Ralf85]

I had a similar problem. Following a recommendation, I took my van to Sahibs Auto Electric, 3 Norbreck Parade NW10 7HR (Hangar Lane). They checked my alternator and discovered that the only problem was a faulty rectifier. They charged £62+vat to take it off, repair and refit. Cheaper than a new one. This is a bit far away from you. There must be an auto electric specialist nearer to you that can check to make sure that you actually need a new one.

[Ian and Lins]

Like Ralf says really. I've used Belper Auto Electrical Services in Derbyshire to re-wind alternators and starter motors. West Country Windings to re-wind my 'bike alternator. There should be someone closer to you?

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks Ralph they had cropped up when I googled it. Good to get a first hand reommendation

[Sir Brixalot]

Should a warning light have come on? It suddenly died with no warning

[Mr Bean]

I seem to remember on a wind generator project having to fit an equivalent value resistor in the in place the alternator warning light as the alternator will not work if the bulb (or equivalent) is not present.. Anyone know more on this subject?
In any case I am sure that no light when ignition switched on means no charge when engine started.
CS

[bigherb]

Should a warning light have come on? It suddenly died with no warning

Yes and No it depends on the fault with the alternator. The alternator and wiring need to be checked before condemning the alternator.
Most faults cause the light to come or or glow dimly, but open circuit faults will not cause the light to come on, easy to check as the light will not come on even before the engine has started. This would be caused by an open circuit in the alternator usually one of the brushes not making contact, or open circuit in the warning light wiring or no power to the dash warning light.

[Sir Brixalot]

Yep no ignition light on when turning the ignition. Thanks. Bit strange as I only changed the brush pack six months ago.

[CovKid]

Watch it with regulators though. You sometimes need to give the two contacts a good ping. I've had similar charging issues and it was just those, not making good enough contact. Worth a try first.

[Sir Brixalot]

I'll have a go tomorrow. thanks

Looking at it today just one of the brushes (topran) has worn heavily, didn't last long.

[colinthefox]

If one of the slip rings was pitted (due to running with a worn brush) when you changed the regulator last time, the new brush would wear away quickly. It's not necessarily a poor quality replacement, but might be.

[Sir Brixalot]

Both slip rings are heavily pitted. Changed the regulator and voltage is unchanged. Going to get it rebuilt. Right PITA, first terminal engine failure on car and now van off the road.