Baja wont start / electrical issues

[darth brian]

Hello,

My 69 baja has been having some weird electrical issues which i cant narrow down to a gen issue, battery issue, or what have you.

Doesnt seem like starter gets enough juice.
When i turn on the ign and try to start the car, i can hear the starter engage (CLUNK!) and can hear the motor try and turn over a very small amount (faint GRR..) and then i have nothing. The lights on the dash will dim as i press the starter button, but i dont get anymore starter engagement.

Its a push start for me and im on my way.

Also weird radio feedback.
I can hear clicking in my speakers as rpms go up. Makes the fm radio signal sound even worse than it already is. Pretty annoying but not a huge issue.

Im suspecting these issues are related. They both happened within a day of each other. And the cars been starting and running fine for over a year.

The battery measures a solid 12v with a meter and while the motor is running i can only get a ~13v on the battery. I used to get ~14 which i believe is the spec.

If i charge the battery on my 1A charger overnight it will start fine for about a day and then im in the same situation.

Checked polarity of generator.
Removed belt,
Connected DF to generator chassis
connected wire from (+) battery to D+ terminal and got a very slow spin and then nothing. Tried the wire a few more times and gen wont spin at all. Is it supposed to keep spinning?

So i THINK the battery is good and i THINK the starter is good.

I can narrow down to weather or not my generator is failing or the voltage regulator is failing. Or if both are failing. I know a good upgrade is to grab a alternator with built in reg but may not be in the cards unless necessary

Any ideas? More tests i can run?

Thanks
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'69 Baja Frankenbug 1500 SP

[don't_bug_me]

Your battery sounds like it's inadequate, your charging system sounds weak, and I'd pull that starter and have a proper load bench test done to it. You may have multiple issues here. Pull the battery, put it on charge and have it also properly load tested. Check all wiring for corrosion, especially the battery cables, and upgrade to an alternator. don't just replace items till the problem goes away, check each one and give your whole electrical system a good inspection.
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70 Street Baja http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=566113

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

[Dale M.]

Could be regulator is toast... Spinning generator as motor is not a conclusive test...

Try this test....

Generator/Regulator Test!

Disconnect all wires from Generator. (tag them so you get them back right)

Connect a test light ( 6 or 12 volt what ever is appropriate) on generator to the "D+" terminal ... Ground other side of light.

Ground "DF" or "Field" on generator.

Start engine... If light comes on and brightness increases as engine rpm comes up your REGULATOR is bad ( generator works ) Caution over revving engine to fast will cause light to burn out.

IF light stays dark ( does not light ) , check test setup again to be sure its right... If you rev engine up and light still does not light GENERATOR is bad.

People with experience using a VOLT-OHM meter could use the meter instead of light... look for VOLTAGE increase..

Dale
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“Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns"
"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
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All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...