Before Christmas the van developed a fault, the generator light was flickering at idle and getting brighter as the revs increased.
I guessed the brushes might have been to blame, but when I tried to buy replacements it turns out the alternator I'd fitted was a late model one and none of the usual suspects supplied replacement brushes. Luckily I found a supplier that was just up the road from me.
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I honestly can't reccomend Peter at Volksgoods enough, a man with a real passion for VWs and a extensive knowledge of vehicle electrics. I don't think there is anywhere that could better the prices or level of customer service. So after a nice chat and a cup of tea I took my £2 brushes and fitted them.
But as is usually the case the fix wasn't that simple. Peter had suggested that if it wasn't the brushes it could be the power diodes inside the alternator. The cost will be slightly more but still 4 or 5 times cheaper than an exchange unit at trade price from GSF!
So today the engine came out to allow removal of the alternator.
Wasn't expecting to find this though!
And with the engine out I could inspect how its faired since the resto
Turns out the boots on the carb manifold were split, one of the engine mounts I replaced during the resto has failed and seperated and the fuel hoses, although looked fine had gone brittle. I think I last replaced the fuel lines a year to two ago, so another reminder to all you guys on here to change the fuels lines regularly!
I knew I had some bits to look at when the engine came out but wasn't expecting all of the above, especially replacing parts I'd bought brand new and fitted only 4 years ago during the restoration. Once again it makes you wonder about the quality of reproduction parts on offer to the VW community, there really is a lot of overpriced, poor quality shite out there!
My fan housing had worked loose a while back, in retrospect I should have theadlocked the tinwear screws, but on inspection the fan also appears to be warped so this too requires replacement. Just got to take the alternator to work so I can clamp it in the vice and get the windy gun to crack off the fan bolt.
All in bits and just enough room to get it in the garage whilst the Herald sits awaiting new tyres, carb and exhaust!
Should have another project arriving soon that will become my daily, the Micra is my missus daily now and I spent yesterday valeting her Corsa ready for sale.
