HELP! My 912E died today!

[PorscheDV]

okay, i just purchased a 912E less than a week ago. P/O says he just replaced the battery. since then, each time i go to start the car the battery slowly but progressively has a harder time starting the car. now, tonight, the car wont turn over (i end up haveing to push start the car)

here's the thing, i havent been able to take a voltmeter to it, but i drive over an hour and a half and the car doesnt seem to be running off the battery (nothing gets dimmer) and the headlights brightness doesnt increase with RPM.

i heard about the alternator light being involved with the charging system. which light is that? (the red round one marked 'G')?? i'm planning on swapping out the alternator in the morning, but im open to ANY OTHER suggestions...

also, is there any other Alternator i can use for this car? (from another vehicle, that will fit?)

THANKS FOR ANY INFO...

[WFBowen]

Regardless of what the PO stated, it sure sounds like the battery isn't holding a charge. I'd have it checked, including all cables/grounds (especially the big ground strap back by the trans.) Also, be sure to check the cables to the starter motor - as you know, it's a long trip from the front of the car to where the juice is really needed. As for alternators, if you have a "dune buggy/VW" shop in the area that deals in Bosch, look at some bus alternators. If they have the proper connectors, etc., it'll work. Also, the red light is the one to look at, as green is oil pressure.
Will the car start immediately after running for a while?
Bill.

[PorscheDV]

sorry, i should clearify...after push starting the motor, i drove for an hour and a half...and i didnt get a charge to the battery!, im going to have th battery checked today (and purchase a voltmeter) to check alternator readings..im crossing my fingers its not beyond that!

also, on a weird note, im not sure this is normal, but since ive had the car, when the engine is running the headlights can come on, but if the engine is not running (weather or not the ignition is in the on position) the headlights cant come one, but the orange indicators do...is that something of concern...

also, if/when i do swap out the alternator...how the heck do i get to it?! do i need to drop the engine?! i gave it a quick look, and at the moment, i cant figure out how to pull it!?

[WFBowen]

Removal of alt.is done with the engine in place & goes something like this: Disconn. battery. Looking at the alternator from the rear of car, remove the oblong plastic cap on the far right. Under it, you'll see the adjustment/top mounting bolt (allen head.)The second bolt is approx. 180 deg. to the center of the motor - it's sort of hidden in a "valley" in the engine tin. Also, check for a third, smaller bolt just up from the second bolt. Sometimes it's used, sometimes it's not. The removal is from under the engine, pulling the alternator towards the front of the car. You'll see a rubber boot to the fan housing which comes off and a rubber sealing ring between the alternator and the engine tin. It's best to break loose the bolts from the engine compartment, then put something to hold them in place (vice grips) and do the work from the bottom side.
As for your headlights, sounds like a short. Check the dash switch & wires. Was there ever an alarm system on the car?

[piperpilotduane]

Welcome to the world of 912E!

1. The red 'G' should light up when the ignition first comes on. When the car starts the alternator sends a positive charge to the light. therefore sending power from both sides turning the light out. If yours does this correctly, the battery is bad. Or you have something draining the battery elsewhere.

2. The headlights have a safety circuit that will not let them burn with the ignition off.

3. Most all parts on the engine are 2.0L VW type 4. Except the heads, pistons, and L-Jedtronic injection.

If you must remove the alternator put the rear of the car up on jackstands and it comes out the bottom. Part of the exhaust may have to be removed. DO NOT MESS UP YOUR HEAT EXCHANGERS!!! They are scarce as hen's teeth. They bring $800 to $1000 apice and the right is harder to find than the left.

Good Luck.

------------------
Duane
'73 914, '76 912E,
& '76 VW BUS (ALL 2.0L)

[This message has been edited by piperpilotduane (edited 09-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by piperpilotduane (edited 09-26-2001).]