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Re: Rain-caused electrical problem?[240-260/1988] posted by George Downs on
Wednesday, 29 April 1998, at 6:06 p.m.
Getting dimmer as the engine revs higher means your charging
system is awry. You gotta find out WHERE the problem is before
you can fix it. Maybe alternator brushes, regulator, bad diodes,
etc. Could even be the fuse that serves the amp light.
(On the 140/164 the giveaway is if your turn signals make the
amp light come on but don't flash themselves, since both are
on the same fuse.)
You need a voltmeter and a manual so that you can see if
the alternator puts out at all. Should probably check all the
connections in the charging system also.
George Downs Fort Clayton, Panama
Re: Rain-caused electrical problem?[240-260/1988] posted by JohnB on
Thursday, 30 April 1998, at 2:08 p.m.
unlikely to be vibration dampener...pulley isn't driven by the outer ring.
could be worn brushes...88 with how many miles? My 87 900t saab needed new brushes at 140k...this alone caused me to pull the brushholder on my 87 760t volvo and find the brushes were down to about 2mm wear limit.
You can quickly replace the voltage regulator and brush holder preassembled with new brushes for about $90 list (your price may vary) and twenty minutes, including disconnecting pos post of battery, or spend an hour or so soldering in new brushes...new brush kit available from volvo or saab for3about $7 list.
You'll need a small cutoff tool, dremel or something, or a small hacksaw to cut the old brush pigtail holder, a pliers to crimp the new pigtail in the bushing supplied with the kit, and solder/iron to solder the pigtail in the bushing (ok, solder is overkill but I like suspenders and a belt in this case).
Before you get into all this, look for the alternator to ground strap and ensure it's there and not corroded off. If it's there, clean the connection. Also clean the connection between the alternator and the battery pos post, the hot wire from the alternator. You might have just gotten road crud splashed up there and shorted the alt output to ground. I would think this if the car operation has returned to normal when the car dried out.
If the car works ok when dry....make sure you have a splash shield underneath the engine.....the stock one was put there for a reason. They often crack and fall off and people don't replace them.
Good luck!