Hi, the issue is a dead alternator, I won't elaborate on this story now. The thing is, I have a dead alternator in my hand and no cash in my pocket. If I manage to repair the alternator myself, I'm fine, if not, my Volvo will haunt the eternal junkyards soon.

1. Brushes checked, about 10 mm long, it cannot be the problem

2. Slip rings checked, look smooth. Smooth for me at least.

3. Alternator checked at AutoZone, the result was 2V 25amp, which is.... well.... not up to the standard I expect.

Now. One thing that is obvious is that the alternator is covered with oil. Even inside the coils are pretty oily. Can it decrease performance? Can I take the alternator apart using basic tools, degrease it, put it back together and hope for a better performance? Or is it only slightly more efficient than voodoo magic?

ANY ideas welcome that bring me closer to the glorious moment when I walk into the same Autozone tomorrow morning and the gauge shows 12V.

Thanks.

Harry Georgson