Generator/Dynamo Blanking Covers?

[chris86uk]

Hi,

I've read that the generator / dynamo on T2's are supposed to have some protective covers fitted to them but having not seen a picture, I'm not sure what they are or where they're supposed to go. The article I read said not having the cover(s) in place can contribute to bus fires.

Logic would tell me the terminals should be covered, but should the holes in the body also be plugged? (See pics)

Thanks

Chris

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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[skills@eurocarsplus]

your generator is not properly clocked...the terminals need to go to the right.

some had a plastic cover that clipped into the top. not really needed. I will try and find a photo.
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[Wildthings]

There were plastic covers that closed off the top slot in the generator housing for accessing the brushes. They pretty much disappeared as you revved the engine in first gear taking off from the dealer's lot. I bought a new Bosch generator for my T-181 this past summer and it came with the cover. It had about a week's life before it popped off and got deformed by going through the belt.

[airschooled]

Hi Chris,

Yes, Skills is right on talking about the rotation of the generator. There are cooling air pickups on the backing plate help keep the generator cool; right now yours is not optimal.

1969 and up buses with Type 1 engines came with a 38-amp generator that doesn’t have a plastic cover. It looks like you have that generator, but I’m not 100% certain based on your pictures. You can check the stamped numbers on the generator body for “38A” or “30A”, or post a pic of your entire generator and backing plate setup. (It looks like you have a cast iron front generator pulley, which would indicate 38-amp as well.)

Airhead Parts sells a plastic upper cover for the 30-amp generator which fits like a glove, and it’s been on my bug for a few years with no issues.

There are also rubber boots that go around the wire terminals, but they have to be slid on the wires before the crimp connectors are crimped on. Some people say they didn’t come on buses, but I like them.

See you on the road,
Robbie
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[telford dorr]

X2 on the rubber boots. Consider: the main terminal on the generator / alternator is (indirectly, for the generator) connected to the battery "+" terminal with a good sized wire. Short that to something and expect heat and many sparks.

If nowhere else, rubber terminal covers are a standard aircraft part, and are available from aviation supply places.
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'71 panel, now with FI
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[chris86uk]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Can I rotate the generator into the correct position without completely removing it from the fan housing?

Sounds like the blanking plugs aren't anything much to worry about but I'll check which generator I have and report back. I will definitely either get the rubber terminal covers or insulate the connections with tape at least though.
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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[Q-Dog]

VW started putting a cover on the top generator slot on Beetles when they got rid of the rain guard on deck lids with vents. The cover keeps rain out of the generator. I don't see any need for it on a bus.
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Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[wcfvw69]

[airschooled]

[chris86uk]

^^ Thanks Robbie, I'll have a look at the weekend.

Chris
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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[Abscate]

Battery disconnect, negative first

Remove fan belt

Loosen generator strap

With an M6 wobble and a ratcheting 10mm box end the four bolts come out and then the generator can be rotated.

Reinstall bolts

Tighten strap

Negativeback on

Reset radio

Beer
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.ssS!

[airschooled]

[chris86uk]

Thanks guys.

Definitely very useful to be able to see the slot in the above pic Robbie, now I know what I'm looking for.

I guarantee it'll be completely the wrong way round and the whole thing will have to come out though hahaha.

Chris
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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[CanStan]

I picked up a wire boot from CIP for $6 or so. They show out of stock, but at least this it what you're looking for.

https://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C16-113-901A