Boxster alternator help!

[ro55a]

Hi all, any help much appreciated. The car started screeching on start up a few days ago, wife was driving it this evening and the screeching got steadily louder and constant. Battery light came on, the radio display dimmed, car still runs. Took off the bulkhead plate, checked the v belt hadn't broken. The v belt was in good condition, the alternator pulley end which is black plastic looked slightly melted towards the centre. The alternator was turning, no major screeching at the moment but could hear a faint noise/squeal.
986 year 2000 manual with air con pump ( which seems fine) 2.7. Need to check the voltage at the battery, which I am going to do right now. Just want any opinions, could it be a faulty pulley, regulator etc etc.

Cheers in advance.

[ro55a]

Just checked battery, no overspill or leaks. Reads 12.5v without car running and 18v running. Moody regulator? Plus that pulley plastic cap, should it be a covered cap, because mine has a hole in the middle and I can see the spline inside?

[ianwayne]

Regulated voltage should be 13 - 14.5 volts. You're in danger of a fire (or alt least melting) from overheated wiring if it gets any worse. Needs sorting ASAP.

[ro55a]

Ordered an alternator last night. The battery has died overnight, it was 7 years old and so was not up to the extra charging its been receiving. So it's a new battery and alternator this weekend! Apparently the pulley bolt is a bit of a pain, loosened mine tonight and came out no problem. Even managed to open the front boot with the emergency cable located in the front bumper as there was absolutely zilch power from the battery. It now shows 3 volts