[T3] Generator ... Again

[Max Welton]

I measured an erratic 1-5 volts at the generator. Grounding the small wire had no effect (at idle). So it's the generator.

I have no problem with the generator design. If I could get a brand new one I would do so in a heartbeat.

I do have a problem with the fact that I can't get a brand new one and reman or rebuild just isn't as good. This car is my daily driver. Keeping everything original is not my top priority.

Max Welton
http://www.maxwelton2k.net/


--- On Mon, 9/3/12, Keith Park <topnotch at nycap.rr.com> wrote:

> From: Keith Park <topnotch at nycap.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [T3] Generator ... Again
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Date: Monday, September 3, 2012, 8:38 AM
> Well, there is something wrong, its
> not the generator design problem.  The
> new regulators will throw a light differently than the old
> units did, they
> are less "Forgiving".  Full field the generator at idle
> for a few seconds
> and see if it comes alive, if it does then it's the
> regulator.  A lot of
> things can wear down the brushes prematurely, but remember,
> its 2012, you
> cant trust ANY reman, anywhere... they are done in Mexico I
> believe.  
> 
> Try rebuilding it yourself, or send it to Jim better yet, he
> can "Growl" the
> armature and see if there is an issue there.  A good
> generator, with all my
> electrical gizmo's, trailer lights etc lasts me 40-60Kmi,
> and even then, all
> it needs is new brushes.  I have 2 that I swap in and
> out and after 25 years
> of doing that this is the first year one has died and needed
> more than
> brushes, the commutator was very worn but even then Jim
> brought that
> armature back to life.
> 
> Keith
> 
> 
> Top Notch Restorations
> topnotch at nycap.rr.com
> 
> http://www.a383ina68.addr.com/radiorest/main.htm
> 71 Squareback "Hothe"
> 65 Notchback "El Baja Rojo"
> 65 Squareback "Eggcrate"
> 87 golf "Winterat"
> 93 RX7 "Redstur"
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
> [mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org]
> On Behalf Of Max Welton
> Sent: Monday, September 03, 2012 10:13 AM
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Subject: [T3] Generator ... Again
> 
> Well, here I go again. On my way home from work yesterday in
> the 68, the
> charge light came one. It flickered lightly at first, then
> came on more
> insistently. It still isn't fully "on", but she isn't
> charging. I happened
> to be logging engine data (Megasquirt) and was able to see
> the main buss
> voltage go from its usual 13.6 to ~12 volts. I had no
> problem driving home
> on the battery (about 40 minutes).
> 
> This generator was a re-manufactured Bosch unit I put in
> last November. At
> the time, I also replaced the VR with one of the new
> solid-state units. Buss
> voltage has been very consistent up to yesterday.
> 
> The way the light is behaving makes me think that the
> brushes may have worn
> down so that will be what I look at first.
> 
> So 10 months is a pretty short service life for brushes,
> even in a reman
> generator. It has me thinking about alternatives. Maybe
> alternator
> alternatives.
> 
> Max
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