Topic: Charging System Check
How do I go about checking out the charging system on my '74 type 1? It does have the Bosch alternator. My kids are tired of having to push start the thing after we shut it off. Thanks!!!
Re: Charging System Check
First make sure both end,s of battery ternminal,s are clean especially where the negative bolt,s too the battery box on the pann << bad connection,s will not allow battery too charge . Now after that get car runnin warmed up remove battery cable end from battery use negative > - battery cable too avoid spark,s remove while car is runnin ? If car dies then chargeing system is not working << Simple >> Now if car continues too runn you either have corroded dirty connection,s too battery that are not allowing the battery too charge or battery is Kaput . Sean
Re: Charging System Check
Some times it's not a good idea to disconnect the Batt. on Alt systems as this can blow the Diods. (OK on Gen systems) Vic.
Re: Charging System Check
I agree with Vic
Don't remove the battery wire when the motor is running with a alternator
or you will need a new or rebuilt alternator for sure.
Buy a digital Multi meter ( Radio Shack or similar) and read the voltage across the battery.
put the battery on a slow charge overnight (2amp) before you do the voltage test.
with the motor off it should read above 12 volts (12.5)
with the motor running the voltage should be above 13 v
If you remove the ground wire( -) from the body and clean under it with sand paper can help also there is a ground strap on the front of the transaxle that also use checking.
Check to see if the positive lead on the starter is clean and tight.
Check the vee belt to see if it has the right tightness on the pulleys.
have fun
hank
'57 bug "BlackBerry"
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
Re: Charging System Check
Does your "idiot" lights on the speedo light up when you turn on the key but don't have the motor running?
They should be ---as you might know one light is for your oil pressure and the other is for the charging.
The small (blue I think) wire goes to the alternator and turns on the alternator when the key is on.
You can test the wire and bulb by unplugging the wire and grounding it out against the metal on the engine -- the light should be on when the key is on
Does your alternator have a external regulator?
hank
'57 bug "BlackBerry"
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
Re: Charging System Check
Roscoe: Hank is right on track on this one....and if I recall some other serious discussions on this matter, if the alternator dash light is burned out, the alternator circuit is not complete and the battery won't get its charge. Definitely worth checking. Good luck. Clancy
Re: Charging System Check
Well thats bunch of uvrdjhjkb <, Means B.S. it,s ok check for generators and altenators alike on all makes model car,s i ever checked with the exception of fuel injected computerized motor,s Wich on some domestic and foreign motors ya can knock the puter out . Now ifn ya concern is that you might knock a diode out of a altenator might i suggest ya pull the negative post rather than the positive too reduce arcing << Lil safer only damm reason they tell ya not too do this in manual,s etc is if you a complete idiot and short out the positive post against somethin might blow a diode or possible battery will explode >> Reason ya use negative post here ? As for Battery explosion,s im the king of battery explosion,s as ive managed too do this on 3 seperate occassion,s >. Twice on 24 volt system,s and once just being ignorant on a 12 volt system <, Thats in 30+ years of Electrical trouble shooting on Commercial Truck,s ? Once resulting in Battery acid being blown directly intoo my eyes << None of wich Medical attention was warranted or needed simple flush with water and a cold beer was sufficient Well That and price of new battery ! Aye you all are killin me here . Now true im poster boy for OSHA safety regulation,s . But i assure ya pullin neg post up on battery wont burn or knock diodes out on an altenator . LMAO Course battery tester is nicer better way but i wouldnt walk back intoo the shop ta get one if the battery post was loose enough ta pull up and check see if chargeing system was working ? LMAO now i need ta find my OSHA approved Sun Block Tanning lotion so i can work out side in the Sun today with out gettin sun burned leading too skin cancer , and death lmao YOU ALL CRACK ME UP SOME TIMES ! Sean