Defective Alternator or Regulator?, How big of a job to replace? FLAPS? Options

[computers4kids]

Bring you up to speed: I recently have had problems with engine run on after the key is turned off. Along with this the generator and oil light comes on as soon as you connect the battery. Everything electrical works but the alternator does appear to be putting out a higher voltage than I remember 14-15 volts at idle).

I came across this blurb on the bird board alternator troubleshooting:
Alternator indicator lamp is on with key off.
Alternator has failed, and diodes have shorted out. Replace alternator and in the meantime, disconnect battery to prevent complete draining of the battery.

After a frustrating day ripping my car apart looking for bad grounds etc, this sounds like my problem is with the alternator. Would a bad relay board cause this?

Which alternator/regulator would you buy?

How big of a job is it? The reason I ask, I have a spare 2.0 in the garage with alternator and complete relay board. Is it worth the time to see if it works?
Sorry for all the questions...I just don't want to start replacing parts hoping for a fix.
Thanks,
Mark

[computers4kids]

its a big enough job where I would go ahead abd buy the best alternator you can afford, bc you DONT want to do it twice.

Myth is that one can install a alternator with the engine in the car, but I cant picture being able to access both sides of the tin with the engine in a 914. If I were doing this job, I would just drop the engine.

Thanks...sounds like the jury is still out on this one. I know what you mean...sometimes it's just easier to bit the bullet. My next 914 is going to have a zipper that opens it up like a sardine can.

leave the motor in the car! All you need to remove is a few pieces of heater tubing on the drivers side. Allen bolt on top, and hex bolt on bottom. Get a Bosch rebuilt.

Good luck

Sounds like you have done this...I'm more encoraged to try it...

I did mine in the car. Pain in the butt but it is doable. I bought a rebuilt Bosch for $110 at the auto parts store. The hardest part is you got to do everything by touch because you can not see much since it is all tucked away.Good luck!

Pain in the butt, but it is doable--sounds like I better practice being tripple jointed and mechanic by brail.

Thanks everyone...should I be worried that the last too posts end in 'Good Luck.'
Mark