Yesterday I encountered a odd problem in my brat. Upon starting, the volt gauge reads at about 10... the upper limit of the lower red portion of the gauge.

 

Of course, i turned all lights and acc. off, but the gauge didn't change.

 

About 5 minutes into my drive, it jumps up and is at the normal 14 volts or so.

 

It also did this exact same thing on my return trip home, and on my way into work this morning.

 

Belt seems intact and tightened. The temp never rose, so the water pump was still turning.

 

Is it a sign of my alternator going out?

brushes going south can cause these symtoms, Tex

I guess i'll try replacing the alt. then with a spare... thanks!

Some related info in this thread, http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=53066

 

I still haven't solved the issue, been sorta busy around here. Going to dive into it shortly though.

Thanks for the link Tom.

 

I just checked with my voltmeter...

 

I have 12volts at the battery, and 12 volts at the back of the Alt.

 

Guage still showed 10 or so.

my green lifted 82 brat had issues with the fuel guage and voltmeter... even when all was well it could show too low or too high.

 

I tried cleaning up grounds and getting new stuff... still did it. I just learned to live with it. As long as the little red light for volts isnt on I figured it was good (the light was on when I bought it, but it still made the 80 mile drive home)

Replaced the alternator this morning. Problem is gone!

 

Thank goodness this was an easy fix.