Pre-alternator failure symptoms?

[desinor at sympatico.ca (Jean-Claude Desinor)]

   In my case, the tach also varied wildly at a red light.
   Then the engine died.
   I managed to pull to safety, then wondered what to do next, until I
remembered my Canadian Tire Eliminator in the trunk ... I connected it
to the battery for 15 minutes, that transfered enough juice to be able
to start and go to my trusty mechanic, 3 km away.
   Verdict: alternator was shot. He checked output voltage, I do not
remember what he read but Bentley says it should be 13.5 and 14.5.

	Jean-Claude

C Boyko a ?crit :
> SO today I had undeniable issues with the charging system on my MkI. The
> fuel guage dropped visibly, it ran like ass, and when I parked it, it
> failed to start. The plug on the alternator is in need of attention, and
> maybe the whole thing's not working, 10ish volts at the battery at any
> rate. (Battery wires are minty fresh and tight)
> 
> So my question, would it have perhaps provided erratic power prior to its
> demise? I'm wondering if this is the last lap of my quest for consistent
> power, I've wired and checked all sorts of things, and the problem was
> still there. I never suspected the charging system, because up till now, my
> tiny Braille has been starting the car really well, even when it was
> running poorly for other reasons (like bad injectors). The cable tie and
> silicon on the alternator plug have me wondering if that's been a source of
> grief. I'd appreciate a reply to this, if any of you have had subtle
> symptoms prior to the obvious slap in the face when the car says "Nope,not
> trying"
> 
> Cathy