Potterman rocks my ass! Alternator probs solved!!!!

[Nate Mellom <bronson@inwave.com>]

Listers and Sir Potter,
As some of you may remember, my '81 kept eating alternators for some odd
reason.  I'd get voltage (on the low side [12-13 on a good day]) with no
load, but it'd drop to 11 or less when under load.  I checked everything
I could think of and nothing helped.  I was averaging an alternator
every couple of weeks.  I'd get them checked, and they'd be putting out
voltage but very low amps (I'd be getting 14v out of the alternator, but
only 12 at the battery).  At Treffen, I had a conversation with our very
own Potterpeoples, and Mike suggested I check the main alternator
connector and rewire my alternator.  I knew my connector was toasty, but
continuity and resistance checked out okay.  Anywho, I went to the
junkyard Monday, scored a used alternator (for shits and giggles) and 3
new (used) connectors.  Changed the connector, and drove it to work
today.  It never dropped below 12v except under load, when before I
would drain the battery (hour drive each way via interstate to work
everyday).  So I were happy.  I got a new OEM connector from the local
stealership, as well as new spade connectors.  I tore my wiring apart
this evening, ran new 10 AWG wire to the starter from the alternator
(per Mike's advice) and I cut back the idiot light wire as far as I
could (under the right side of the battery) as ran new wire to that as
well.  I saw some very green wires while I was working, so I'm not
surprised that I was having problems.  9:30 this evening I put it all
back together, started her up, and saw 14v on the dial for the first
time in WEEKS!!!   Turned everything on, lights, fan, high beams,
blinkers, and I was still reading 12v!!  I tell ya, I'm damn happy.  And
I owe Mike and Kristen a big thanks for helping me out.  I'll be proud
to wear my Virtual World Parts t-shirt all over the place!!!!
I think I'll keep the tool box and spare battery in my car for now, just
in case, but everything looks good.

Thanks for all your help!!!

Nate
'81 (happy again!)
'84 (I'll get right on that....)


--
Email LIST problems to: scirocco-l-probs@scirocco.org.
To unsubscibe send "unsubscribe scirocco-l" in the message to majordomo@scirocco.org