Garage/mechanic/parts needed - somewhere near Oxford!

Post by **Peekay** » 23 Jul 2008, 19:29

Hello, I'm new here. I have a 1987 turbo diesel Club Joker Westy with a few problems. Specifically, leisure battery is on the blink - I'm told it needs a new alternator - and I need to get hold of parts to repair the speedo, rev counter and heater switch.

I'm no mechanic and can't do this myself. Took it to the local VW garage but they can't source the parts. So here I am.

So the question is - can anyone recommend a good garage/mechanic/specialist who can do this work - and preferably source the parts too? I am based in Oxford. Any help really gratefully received.

Post by **Mocki** » 23 Jul 2008, 19:35

just a point (Although i cant be of any help with anything else you require) the rev counter takes its info from the alternator "W" connection on a diesel, so no rev counter if it isnt wiring, is the alternator, which ies in with the other problems you describe........ id be replacing the alternator firstly before spending any other hard earned..........see what happenes

Post by **Peekay** » 23 Jul 2008, 19:45

Thanks Steve. VW garage tells me the alternator is too small to power the leisure battery properly, which is why it won;t charge up. Personally I'm suspicious about this: I've had the van four months and have taken it on a couple of long trips, and leisure battery has never been a prob: always charged up from the engine when running, then run well when overnighting. I'm unclear as to why the alternator size should suddenly have become a problem. So it may be I need to find a good specialist in 80-90s to look it over again. But thanks for the advice.

Post by **Mocki** » 23 Jul 2008, 21:59

well one thing is for sure, the alternator hasnt just shrunk!

i wish you well, and im only sorry im so far away, and cannot offer you more help!

Post by **maxstu** » 25 Jul 2008, 03:01

could have a look on here for a local firm...

http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/index.html

Post by **slobbo** » 25 Jul 2008, 06:15

Have a look at this page and have a go at testing it yourself. http://www.carbasics.co.uk/How_to_test_ ... rnator.htm

A multimeter can be picked up from Maplin Electronics for less than a tenner. Worth having if you own an old vehicle.

Post by **08Kev** » 27 Jul 2008, 13:31

First of all Mocki's right the rev counter work off the alternator, I found this out last month when I forgot to attach the alternator wire to the battery and rev counter didn't work, amongst other things.

Take your van to your local auto parts shop, they will usually test your alternator for free.

Good luck!!!

Post by **kevtherev** » 27 Jul 2008, 14:29

you must determine if the alternator is not charging ..Before you proceed.
A simple test at a garage or a VW dealer will tell you that.
Then it is an inexpensive repair to the regulator that cures that.

Leisure batteries have a life span... any thing over 7 years is not as efficient as new.

Does the heater blower not come on then?

and what's up with the speedo?