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Sun Nov 30, 2003 5:20 am

Have a 69 Bus, started running about 3 months ago. Now it won't start or run. Think the generator is bad. Have a suggestion to go to an alternator. Is this an easy and good idea????

HELP!! :?

Sun Nov 30, 2003 12:46 pm

Why do think it's your generator? The generator has little to do with starting and running, except for keeping the battery charged. If you charge the battery and make sure all the cables and connections are clean and tight, will it turn over and run?

If so, you can test your generator per info here:

http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/

Speedy Jim has some great info there.

If it still won't turn over or run with a fully charged battery, then you're into the starting and ignition circuits, with cables, starter, starter solenoid, ignition switch, wiring, coil, points, etc, not the generator.

If the generator is definitely bad, then it may make sense to replace it with an alternator, but you also have to rewire it accordingly. There's some info about that in Speedy Jim's electrical section. His info is on a Type 1, but the idea is similar so you can see what would be necessary.

A generator is fine for a stock bus. After you add the 600 watt stereo amplifiers (or anything else that draws a lot of current), that's another story. The stock bus generator is something like 38 amps, and alternators start at around 60 amps.

Good luck! We're here to help.

Sun Nov 30, 2003 7:32 pm

The only reason i can think that it is the battery is because it was brand new when i got the breadbox running. Now I can jump start it and disconnect the jumper cables and it will run for about 10 minutes and thats it. I get back in and try to start it up but the interior light won't even come on....But i'll test the generator 1st thing in the AM. I got the bus with the engine in pieces...had to put the engine together slowly due to funds. but i appreciate all the insight i can get on this.

THANKS!!!

john

Sun Nov 30, 2003 10:36 pm

Hi John - definitely sounds like a dead battery if it will only run 10 minutes after a jump. Make sure it's fully charged. Let us know how the gen test comes out.

Here's a couple more links on troubleshooting VW generator systems:

http://www.type2.com/library/electrip/kuhn4.htm

http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/generator.html

Mon Dec 01, 2003 10:30 am

Going to an alternator would only have an advantage if you wanted to use it to charge some larger batteries for camping. If you get a new generator, which are very reliable and hook up some better cable between the generator, regulator, and battery (2ot) then you will get a really good charge even for a 36? amp generator. I have a 71 with a generator and looked into the same thing for camping purposes. Instead I put a solar panel on the bus and some bigger batteries in the closet which worked even better.

Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:05 pm

Wow, I can't thank everyone enough for the insight. i went and picked up a battery charger today since i have another vehicle that is a juice hog. But where can you pick up those solar panels? and also how easy are those to install? would it still be necessary to put another battery in the loop as well?

thanks again!!!

john