Looks like the bearing hub has failed. Change it mate, if it goes there is no telling what will happen.

a terminal bearing failure, you can probably get a new bearing from a local bearing supplier so the thing is not scrap.
as said a quick swap keeps you on the road.

cheers everyone.... Alternator it is then

Interestingly for once it appears this is not the fault of the crap chrome. Further investigation does point at the bearing. There is play in the main shaft and as I turn it you can feel how rough it feels.  Just stopped for a brew as the main nut on the fan is proving to be a challenge to get off.  It was fitted when the engine was last out and doesn't want to play... Brew needed for additional strength 

Oddly my pulley but has come loose twice recently.
Didn't see this thread till now.
Going to tighten it with some thread lock.
But ... Is there a slot in the alternator to "hook" a screwdriver in ?
I've put a driver in the pulley slot, but struggling to find another slot in the alternator to lock it into.

Sorted.
I was looking for a slot hole in the alternator rather than a ridge.
:-)

Interestingly for once it appears this is not the fault of the crap chrome. Further investigation does point at the bearing. There is play in the main shaft and as I turn it you can feel how rough it feels.  Just stopped for a brew as the main nut on the fan is proving to be a challenge to get off.  It was fitted when the engine was last out and doesn't want to play... Brew needed for additional strength 

YOU KNOW IT'S CRAP BUT YOU LOVE IT!

If the dynos f...ed just wind the pulley end nice and tight in a vice and get a graunch bar on the fan side nut.  You may need 2 Northern brews for this though.

How are you Matey?

Scroll down to the bit that says 'Alternator vent'......
It may come in handy...........

http://www.vw-resource.com/fan.html#vent

Interestingly for once it appears this is not the fault of the crap chrome. Further investigation does point at the bearing. There is play in the main shaft and as I turn it you can feel how rough it feels.  Just stopped for a brew as the main nut on the fan is proving to be a challenge to get off.  It was fitted when the engine was last out and doesn't want to play... Brew needed for additional strength 

YOU KNOW IT'S CRAP BUT YOU LOVE IT!

If the dynos f...ed just wind the pulley end nice and tight in a vice and get a graunch bar on the fan side nut.  You may need 2 Northern brews for this though.

How are you Matey?

Flags

I am good thanks.  You may recall I dont drink tea so my Northern brews are coffee or beer    Managed to get it off with some gentle help from a long bar!

Scroll down to the bit that says 'Alternator vent'......
It may come in handy...........

http://www.vw-resource.com/fan.html#vent

Thanks for that - good tip and wouldnt have know that - Cheers!

if you dont wana fit the altenator ive still got my old dynamo  if you wana chuck that on ?? let me know ,,can drop off any time ?? 

Cheers Dave

I am trying to use the motivation of not having the buggy on the road to get the new engine fitted.  My challange is I am waiting for some bits to arrive (from the states) and nothing has been forthcoming..... So I may just take you up on that for a couple of weeks to keep me on the road.    I definatley dont want to miss LimeBug on the 29th June.  So I have a month but work is going mad again at the mo so in reality I only have a few weekend days to do anything.

Will give you a shout and thanks very much for the offer .... it may be a lifesaver