Daily Double
Samba Member
Joined: July 27, 2013
Posts: 66
Location: West Michigan
|
 Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 1:45 pm Post subject: Generator light on while running - bad generator? |
 |
|
I've got a 1966 Beetle with a 6V system
PROBLEM: Engine running fine but red generator light doesn't go off.
1st checked: Belt isn't loose (1/2" play when pushed midway between pulleys).
2nd attempt to solve: Replaced the brushes (quite worn - see pic) but light is still on when running.
Used this website: http://www.speedyjim.net/htm/gen.htm
Car not running: Battery voltage is 6.3V (freshly charged)
Car running & raised the RPMs - no change voltage
Based on website, I disconnected DF & D+ wires to the regulator and did a jumper from DF to generator strap and then jumper from D+ to voltmeter & then grounded on generator stand. Started the engine & voltmeter read 2.90V and no change while revving engine
If I understand these results correctly, my generator needs to be rebuilt. Thoughts?
Also, if I do need to have the generator reconditioned - it looks like JBugs does this. https://www.jbugs.com/product/GR11X-REG.html
Has anyone had them rebuild their 6V generator recently? Recommendations? Is pulling a generator out a bit deal? (Can it be done with the engine in the car?)
Thanks for your thoughts!
_________________
66 Sea Blue Type 1 vert |
|
Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31380
Location: Hot Arizona
|
| Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 4:21 pm Post subject: Re: Generator light on while running - bad generator? |
|
|
| Daily Double wrote: |
| Is pulling a generator out a bit deal? (Can it be done with the engine in the car?) |
I've replaced generators in both my 1970 and my 1971 without pulling the engines, but I had plenty of experience stripping down and bolting stuff on these before that. I marked the engine lid position first, then removed the lid. I removed the entire fan shroud both times, and installed genuine "rebuilt-by-Bosch" generators, over 3 decades ago on each.
That said: for a 1966, might just be easier to pull the engine for this. And I'd polarize the replacement generator a few seconds before installing it, as if it doesn't spin doing that - NOT good !!!
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
|
