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Hello all,
Here is the not-so-short of a long story. I had the timing belt and H2O pump replaced (I had so much trouble changing the drive belts last time I did it, I was not eager to repeat the experience) a week ago. A leak formed between the water pump and the heater core return hose and was leaking all over the alternator. About 2 days later, the charge indicator light began flickering, especially when the car was under load. Figuring perhaps the water leak shorted out the voltage regulator, I decided just to go ahead and buy one to replace it, since it was probably due for service. I got the old regulator out after a bit of contortion, but no problems. One thing leading to another, I discovered that the B+ wire (the wire directly to the battery, I think) was corroded off. Since I was doing this work on a Sunday, after shop closing, I had to jerryrig the connector by stripping some of the old wire to the connector, then taping the whole thing tightly together hoping it would hold until the next day. After this, I had a horrible time getting the new voltage regulator back in, but finally succeeded (which resulted in the whole assembly getting covered in oil by greasy hands). Now, my in-dash voltage meter is pulsating (along with the lights, etc.), and seems to be overcharging. Is my problem:
a) The wire to the battery is not connected well enough, therefore actaully providing a proper connection should fix the problem?
b) The voltage regulator is not in properly (The brushes are towards the center of the alternator, but I was unsure if the regulator is simply braced against the thin metal strap inside the alternator, or the regulator should somehow fit inside this piece, e.g. if the screws weren't holding the regulator onto the alternator, the regulator would go flying off with my current cob job, I had a horrible time fitting it in, even though I am positive the part is correct).
c) The alternator is bad, and I should give up and go hide under a rock (I seem to have entered what I term the "break down period." The time when everything on the car starts to go in a frustraing cascade (I have about 224591 miles, which is estimated since the odometer died during this fiasco).
Sorry for my long winded explanation, I am a little frustrated and poor from holding my beautiful Volvo together.
Thanks,
dan taylor
1987 245 DL, lots of miles.
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