| [ Total Views: 933 | Total Replies: 7 | Thread Id: 92116 ] |
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 SebastienPeek
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| posted on August 13th, 2011 at 01:24 PM |
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Battery Size
Hey all!
I'm curious, to those of you that have connected spotlights and/or have an awesome sound system going on in your bug/kombi/kg or anything in between,
what size battery do you have?
My current engine only has a generator, but have bought a 55amp alternator kit to replace this. When I get this, do you recommend I also get a bigger
battery or will this fix my issues of too much load on the engine?
My main concern is that if I do, which I intend to do soon, install spotlights on top of my current sound system, that not even the alternator is
going to be able to support the massive power drain...
Thanks!
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68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
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 posted on August 13th, 2011 at 07:19 PM |
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Hi
I have always used an EXIDE 52D 470 CCA
The 51 ampere alternator will give You over 600 watts..
I haven't seen a 55 amp VW alternator but maybe they are available.
I always use 55 watt QH driving and fog lamp Bulbs...
the 100 watts is a BIG draw...
it really depends on the Sound System...
I have seen many cars with 75 amp alternators and two large batteries...??
If You turn the sound system UP and the lights go dim...
turn the volume down... lol
cheers
LEE
PS: You can always add another battery on the other side under the seat...
+ positive to +POSITIVE and NEGATIVE -- to NEGATIVE --
still 12 volts... nearly 14 volts with the alternator running..
Lee
- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]
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SebastienPeek
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| posted on August 13th, 2011 at 07:40 PM |
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Hey Lee!
I bought this from Classic VeeDub -> https://www.classicveedub.com.au/cvd_new/part_detail.aspx?parts_id=14625
I'm going to see what it is like after installing it and see if my engine doesn't have a massive issue.
Currently, my lights dim when my foot is off the accelerator, and brighter when I accelerate. It is kinda humorous...
I think this is due to the fact that the generator puts out more charge when there are higher revs.
I might consider getting a larger battery if problems still persist.
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68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
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 posted on August 14th, 2011 at 12:17 AM |
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Hi
try cleaning all the electrical terminals with a small file or wet & dry paper etc..
also check out the battery terminals and where the battery earth lead bolts to the body,, take the lead off and wire brush the metal and the lead on
both sides...
also check if You have an earth lead going to Your gearbox..
the only beele I have driven that the lights went bright and dim did NOT have an earth cable going to the gearbox [engine] so
it earthed out thru the clutch cable and accelerator cables..
cheers
LEE
PS: I see the alternators are now 55 amperes.. not 51.. lol
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- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]
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SebastienPeek
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| posted on August 14th, 2011 at 12:50 AM |
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Thanks Lee,
I'll definitely have a look sometime tomorrow! 
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68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
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| posted on August 14th, 2011 at 01:36 AM |
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The fuse box can cause lots of problems...
the copper ends on all the wires and the fusebox ends all get contaminated over the years and need cleaning..
not forgetting the bits where the fuses fit...
and take the fuse out and bend the tabs slightly inwards..
makes a better electrical contact..
LEE
- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]
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68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
Aircooled Master
Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138% - YIKES --
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| posted on August 14th, 2011 at 02:26 AM |
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actually, I clicked on Your link to the alternator kit...
then clicked on specials...
and on page 12...
part numbers 113807401A and 113807201B
cheers
LEE
lots of good specials there.. Lee
- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]
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ratty 63
A.k.a.: Rossco
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| posted on August 14th, 2011 at 02:17 PM |
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As Lee mentioned - I would be looking at your engine/gearbox earth. I can understand the lights dropping in brightness slightly at idle, but they
shouldn't change when you open and close the throttle at speed.
I had the same problem with the lights dimming when getting off the throttle with my 78 Kombi, plus the oil temp gauge would vary wildly over bumps in
the road - I found that someone had left the gearbox earth disconnected at some point in the past. Reconnecting it fixed both the lights and the gauge
issues.
R 
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