When will the Alternator go?

[M38 Bob]

Old mechanics trick is hit it slightly with a hammer and watch it come back to life..Really.

To bad the voltage regulator(which that trick is for) is not in the KJ's alternator but in the PCM.

If it's for the voltage regulator, how come the same "trick" will usually work for "one more start" from the starter to get it to the shop? (not always, obviously, but well worth a try)

Also frequently works to "jump start" a bad fuel pump to get it running for a drive to the shop. (yea. you beat the schit out of the bottom of the fuel tank, jars worn brushes back into contact.)

Sounds like a temporary crutch affecting brushes, but what the hell do I know? Just an old, dumb, hillbilly grease monkey!:gr_grin:

Bob