<VV> gen / fan light on in lm

[FrankCB@aol.com]

Joe and John,
    Well, I wouldn't jump the gun in assuming that the alternator is the 
problem.  It could easily (and perhaps more likely) be due to the voltage 
regulator malfunctioning.  Unlike modern solid state units, the stock Corvair unit 
uses points that can easily get out of adjustment resulting in either under or 
overcharging the battery.
    Before replacing batteries and/or alternators get a voltage meter, plug 
it into the cigarette lighter and monitor the charging voltage on the 
electrical system while driving.  If the voltage gets to at least 14 volts after 
driving at a steady speed for 5 or 10 minutes then you can suspect the battery is 
the culprit.  If not, then either the voltage regulator OR the alternator is the 
likely problem.
    All this assumes that you don't have a poor wiring connection someplace 
that is simply preventing the proper functioning of the electrical system.
    Frank "measure before replacing" Burkhard

In a message dated 11/10/04 9:47:19 AM Eastern Standard Time, pottsf@msn.com 
writes:
Replace the taillight bulb and the alternator. They aren't related.

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of John Sconiers
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2004 9:37 PM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> gen / fan light on in lm


I have a late model corvair and the gen / fan light is staying on.  A 
month ago I left the lights on and all the power went out of the 
battery....so I had to get a jump.  The gen / fan light stayed on since 
then but went off after I drove around a few days.  On friday the car 
stopped while driving so I again got a jump to get the car home.  I 
checked the belt and it's on tight.  Replaced the battery today with a 
bran new and let the car run for 10 minutes.  gen / fan light still on. 
  This may or may not be related but I have a tail light out as well.
JOHN