Alternator question?

Post by **ajp** » 28 Oct 2008, 22:07

Just bought myself into the T3 club and am still very wet behind the ears.
1985 water cooled 1.9 78bhp...

Had some trouble starting it last weekend with what seemed to be a flat battery, after a little rooting around I realised that there is a second battery under the passenger seat (leisure battery?) and I have a 45 amp alternator (which to me seems a little weak for two batterys). As a temporary measure I disconected the second battery as it only seems to power an internal light in the back of the van and the van starts again alright. Also when driving most of the time the battery/alternator light is on (only goes off when you going over about 50mph so I assume that its rev conected). So my question... Can I solve this by putting a bigger amp alternator on? I've seen both 65 and 90 amp to fit my van.

Sorry if this a very basic newbie question but I've only had the van a couple of weeks, bear with me!

Post by **Andy syncro-nutz** » 28 Oct 2008, 22:15

The 90amp would be great!

Post by **Red Westie** » 28 Oct 2008, 22:22

To be honest I thought most came with 65amp/hr anyway, with some having the even bigger 90 fitted. Never heard of a wasserboxer with only a 45 but then I'm no parts guru.
The ignition light should go off imediately after starting, so the van has a definate fault. The percentage guess would be the alternator (voltage regulator or bushes) but as it's possibly the wrong one anyway...and you have a second leisure battery fitted, you will benefit from a 65amp/hr replacement.
Martin

Post by **Mocki** » 28 Oct 2008, 22:51

iirc some early wbx had 45aH alternators.....

get a 90aH, wont be hardly any more expensive than a 65aH so you may as well.....

however, the brush packs are easy to change should you feel the need to try and sort yours, just two screw and lift up and out.