Testing Generator in car: 71 Super Beetle

[mg50]

I couldn't find an answer (at least one that I could understand) in a search so I tested my generator per a youtube video like this:

- Disconnect both leads: D+ and DF wires (put some tape on D+wire)
- Connect a Jumper wire from DF to ground
- Put MultiMeter red on the D+ and black to a ground. I have meter at 200 range.

- Start car. Suppose to get about 20 volts at idle and at least 35 v revved up.
I get nothing on the meter. Only ran about a minute. Detected a little smoke coming from generator.

When I got the car, the generator was rotated 90 degrees to the left, so was not set for correct cooling. Seller said it had recently run down battery but thought it was ok after a charge up. I was too entranced by the shiny Beetle for critical thinking. Though I've had it for over a month, have not driven at night with lights etc, which would pull down the battery.

I'm pulling the engine soon to get a good look at all things. Maybe a good time to put in a new generator?

[Starbucket]

Was the generator light in the speedo on when you drove it? Does it light up when you first turn the key on? I'm thinking the gen. won't charge if the light is burned out.

[mg50]

[busdaddy]

Was the meter on DC, or AC?

[mg50]

[Cusser]

See http://www.speedyjim.net/htm/gen.htm

[busdaddy]

[mg50]

I'll check it again when I have the engine out of the car. Will bug you guys when I do it to make sure I'm not burning down the house.

[baldessariclan]

[mg50]

Thanks, another lesson learned. Santa is bringing me the Bentley book. It's a commitment to owning an old car isn't it? Or have a local mechanic who will outlive you.

[baldessariclan]

[ashman40]

Follow the link from Cusser above to Speedy Jim’s page and start by checking the condition of your brushes and polarizing your generator. Then re-run your test where you momentarily ground the DF terminal. Make sure your meter is set to read VDC (DC voltage). If you still get no output from your generator it is time for a replacement.
If you are planning to remove the generator, take it to your FLAPS and have them test it on their bench tester as a final confirmation it is working, or not.
_________________
AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}

[mg50]

[Starbucket]

Check and clean the tran.s ground strap to body as it is almost always overlooked when checking electrical problems.

[mg50]

[Starbucket]

[mg50]

[Starbucket]