Alternator Bosch or OEM Volkswagen
My Lucas 18ACR (43 Amp) died shortly after I installed a big electric fan (I moved to Texas and felt it was a good idea), so decided to go with a higher output Bosch. I got tired of searching the parts shops (Advance Auto etc.) for a reconditioned Bosch that might or might not fit... In the end, I took my Lucas to an alternator shop and asked for a Bosch that would fit without modifications.
New Bosch installed Thanks for your help. It was in fact the alternator. Had a NEW Bosch installed by M&M Auto/Cycle in Jersey . Mikes the man when it comes to TDI service.
Order a 6 groove 120A alt though. It's an easy no brainer update. The car benefits under heavy loads and startup. Rainy days when the lights, wipers, a/c, heater, seat warmers, etc are all running will be worry free and your battery will charge back up with less drive time.
Voltage regulator is built into the alternator. If you're seeing 14.5 V with the engine running it's as good as it is going to get.
ran this one a bit in my 88 16v scirocco. works fine. a bit biger than the sotch as far as size.
A few hard lessons I learned: Have a voltmeter and ensure your battery is good, a bad battery will kill a good alternator (12.6V min on non running car) Find a reputable guy that rebuilds starters and alternators and try to get your alt rebuilt or find a new Bosch.
okay so i installed an alternator in my car yesterday, boosted it, let the battery charge a bit, removed jumpers...car stalled.
I am pretty sure that the 120A-Vr is much like all of the later Bosch alts with internal cooling. I just took my 120A 1.8t one apart and it is a PITA.
We've had all sorts of problems with Bosch reman alternators. They worked really well until Volvo put the alternator on the CAN network. The reman ones have a ton of trouble making the right charging voltage.
If you put a Botch on a Honda, it will last about 3months.
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