The alternator in my 86 740T does not charge well when it is cold (minus 20C and colder) and the lights and fan are on. In fact it discharges until the engine temp is up and all moving parts are warmed up. When the ambient temps are warm, such as today (plus 2 C) the alternator puts out 14.5V right away even when cold.
I checked all connections and replaced one suspect ground wire from the alternator. I pulled the regulator and I see both brushes are very short and protrude from their holders perhaps a qaurter inch at most. I ahve a spare alternator (aftermarket, not bosch, differnet connections) and the brushes on the regulator protrude closer to a half inch, which I presume is the sign of less worn brushes.
I see FCP sells brushes for the alternaor, and I read the FAQs on the Board. However, the brushes in my alternator (Bosch 1197311800, EL 14V AC)do not seem to have a braided pigtail, or any pigtail at all. They sit in their holders and the top is soldered solid on each of them, with no sign of wires or braided lead. How do I replace them? Or do I need to buy a whole new regulator ($3.00 vs. $35.00)?
JD