240 - All dash warning lights flickering

As I was driving last night all of the dash warning lights began to pulsate
(Flicker dimly). The headlights seemed to fuction and the car runs and
drives OK. The car started up again after being turned off too. I am
guessing that it may be the alternator but thought I should ask for some
feedback. So I drove it home about 20 miles and except for the dash warning
lights, everything seemed OK. As I got almost home the Charge/Battery light
seemed to be brighter and steady and the other dash warning lights seemed a
bit less bright, but still flickering. Any helpful suggestions or diagnosis?
TAI, Michael

 

Check the ground wire on the alternator, the ground strap from the engine to
the firewall, and the brush pack/regulator in the alternator. Depending on
the year the voltage regulator may be either part of the brush pack, or
mounted externally. The brushes last about 200K miles in my experience but
it varies of course.

 

Check the routing and condition of the fat, red wire.

It is routed under the front of the engine, then tucked inside near
the intake manifold.

Over time, it fails, and shorts out, causing the problems you are now
seeing.

 

It can cause the car to eat alternators like popcorn too. It's good advice
to check that, I usually replace that whole section of harness and cover the
existing red wire with heatshrink tubing if it's still in decent shape. It's
cheap insurance.

 

The car is an '88 w/200K and has the brushes integrated into the (Bosch)
voltage regulator. The brush set do seem quite worn. The VR is much cheaper
then the Alt...so do you think just replacing the VR may fix it? The Alt.
bearings seem good and the rest of the wiring checked out OK too. Thanks!