Electrical probs

boristherat Wolfsburg Wizard

563 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 15 Apr 2006, 10:12 am

#476098

Hi guys, wondering if anyone can help.
It appears that my 67 beetle has a recurring problem with generator / battery not holding charge.
Occassionally, the generator light will stay on when driving thus meaning, when I stop the battery has no charge to crank engine (hope there's a hill ). This is not all the time though.
Is this a common thing and is there an easy solution.
I'm new to this thing so I am hoping that I am not asking a silly question or one that has been answered 10,000 times.
Thankyou.

1959 Mercedes Benz 190
1963 Chevrolet Corvair
1969 BMW 2002 Auto
1973 Mercedes Benz 230.6

jnr356 Wolfsburg Wizard

603 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 15 Apr 2006, 10:34 am

#476103

check the charge rate(volts at the battery) when engine is running
probably your regulator,could also be generator

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 15 Apr 2006, 10:37 am

#476104

Have you checked your generator output using a multimeter? If that is ok, check all your wiring (Especially to and from your regulator) If all seems well, you might have a buggered regulator (Exaggerate might, as in I may be WAY off course).
Does anyone else have any suggestions *Looks around AVD cyberspace*
-Staggers.

STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist

JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders

2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 15 Apr 2006, 10:41 am

#476106

Well Junior seems to be on the same track as me!
-Staggers.

STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist

JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders

2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

pod i`ve got to finish this thing one day

4,980 posts · joined Dec 2003 · 15 Apr 2006, 10:42 am

#476107

check the brushes in the genny

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boristherat Wolfsburg Wizard

563 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 15 Apr 2006, 12:12 pm

#476133

Thanks very much guys, will check it out.
Your help is very very much appreciated.
You guys are awesome!

1959 Mercedes Benz 190
1963 Chevrolet Corvair
1969 BMW 2002 Auto
1973 Mercedes Benz 230.6

sinecure Want another... :(

1,031 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 20 Apr 2006, 8:24 pm

#478427

Use petroleum gel on ALL the blade and bullet type connectors in the charging system. It sounds to me like it may be a oxidised joint problem. I've had this intermittent charge problem on two different cars and this was the solution from my auto electrician.

A POSSE AD ESSE.

I live in my own little world, but it's okay, they know me here.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 20 Apr 2006, 8:31 pm

#478432

probably the regulator...
the points in the regulator may be worn out or burnt..

or the generator brushes may have worn down....
these are very cheap to buy....

if the electrical connections are contaminated with old age
just clean each one with a small wire brush...
If they are nice & shiney - like when they left the factory.
No worries....
clean the fuse box too... it all helps...

Best of Luck

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

squizy Thinking about another dub...maybe

4,082 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 20 Apr 2006, 9:19 pm

#478461

Yes check the regulator. Pull the top off it, and just check the gaps in it. You may have a grain of sand or something floating between the contacts. Slip a file or a feeler guage in between the contact points just to make sure that they are clear and not sticking.