ALTERNATOR

Will an alternator from a mk2 golf fit a mk1 golf/caddy?

Should do, especially if the cars are of the same vintage.  There were a couple of different types shown in the mk2 Haynes book (motorola ones?).  Their connectors are probably different from Bosch alternator connectors.  I've only seen Bosch ones on '84 to '89 Golf/scirocco/passats.  Big

David - fit a new set of bushes to your old alternator that often corrects the fault.

I dont think thats the problem because there is one lesd connected to the alternator but there is one lead left loose with nowhere to go. Were lucas alternators the original ones?

My '84 had a Motorolla which I replaced with a Bosch.  I also have an "extra wire" on the loom now.  The motorolla has a separate lead for power to the voltage regulator (mostly on the outside of the alternator).  The Bosch alternator has an internal regulator (part of the brush holder), so it does not need the extra wire (red) connection.  If you change to Bosch you don't have to connect that extra wire to anything.  My car had three wires in a plug (two in parallel for power, one for field) ans the "extra" wire had its own connector.  Just to make sure you don't leave the wrong one disconnected…

Matthew

MK1 tintops would all have the plastic push-in plug connector. From @1986/7 they moved to connectors using studs and bolts for MKIIs, Cabbies and Caddys. If you change to one of these types of alternator you would need to change the wiring harness or connectors etc.

On my Lucas  :dontknow: alternator there are 2 wires that are not connected to anything one is a small red wire with a spade connector the other is a thicker red wire with a bolt on connector there is also a big red wire and the connection is broken off it. Should this be connected to the starter??