Thanks for the help Waynep, ended up replacing the alternator itself and now its working like a charm!
Owner reviews for alternator
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.
Singer alternators is the only place that I could find. It's expensive $429 including shipping and lifetime parts and labor. Great deal with that. He makes a 200A.
The alternator I have on my 3.0 Ford Ranger does over 130 at idle and 300 at 2,000 engine RPM. It's the same size as factory, just custom built for $550 for the truck since I use it for car audio competition.
I had a Valeo alternator from an 03 Jetta in my garage, so I slapped that in and made the connector work somehow. Its working perfect now. 14.5v almost instantly at startup. Weather is below 30F.
okay just did mine 14.7x after a cold start...can it be too much ? does that sound reasonble
My mk3 golf is at the shop right now because I installed a replacement valeo alternator and it didnt seem like a perfect fit and shredded up the serpentine belt. I think the shop I got the replacement from gave me a bad fit.
I have a 99.5 vr6 2.8 afp and missing a alternator ground i think I am getting 20 intermittent ground fault codes and the kid i bought the car from had a alternator put in.
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