TheSamba.com :: View topic - Alternator with DF, D+, D- tabs, Does it need ground?

Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:33 pm

I have a '64 Beetle converted to 12V (40hp) with an alternator. The alternator has electric connection tabs labeled DF, D+, D-. I am not getting the charge light in the speedo when i turn the key, or when I start the engine. The only diagrams I can find suggest connecting the light to the D+ on the Alternator, and I have connected it and metered it. The readind show the 12V coming from the fuse (and the oil pressure light on the same feed does work). I confirmed the bulb is good.

Do I need to ground the Alternator?

Thanks.

Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:39 pm

The charge light (blue wire) should be spliced into the red wire at the voltage regulator. Where is your regulator mounted ? There is normally a secondary ground screw from regulator mounting screw to a threaded hole on the top of the alternator case. This ground wire is more of a "just in case" than manditory but the factory used it so I do too.

Sat Apr 05, 2008 4:05 am

Thanks, DrDarby.

There is a voltage regulator under the car (under the back seat). It appears to have been disconected (maybe when the car was converted to 12V. Would I be correct in thinking I'll need to get a 12V voltage regulator? Could I mount it in the engine compartment?

There was another alternator with the car when I bought the car. The other alternator had only the battery connection and D+, there was not any DF, or D-. Am I safe in assuming that one was an internally regulated? and the one I installed is externally regulated?

Breva1906

Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:13 am

breva1906 wrote: Thanks, DrDarby.

There is a voltage regulator under the car (under the back seat). It appears to have been disconected (maybe when the car was converted to 12V. Would I be correct in thinking I'll need to get a 12V voltage regulator? Could I mount it in the engine compartment?

There was another alternator with the car when I bought the car. The other alternator had only the battery connection and D+, there was not any DF, or D-. Am I safe in assuming that one was an internally regulated? and the one I installed is externally regulated?Breva1906

That is what it sounds like to me...

You will have to get a voltage regulator for that style... not the same as the generator style V reg.

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Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:41 am

Thanks for the help.

I ordered one.