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Post by poborne on Sept 8, 2020 15:46:20 GMT -5
Hello all! I am trying to figure out what kind of charging system my car has on it, as it doesn't appear to be working correctly. My Ammeter never shows positive, even after driving for 20+ minutes. It always reads negative amps, more if the lights are on, so I know there's an issue somewhere. I've got a couple links to some pictures I've taken of the way it's wired, which is different than what I've seen before. According to the original schematic, I should have a D+ and a DF wire coming from the gen/alt to the regulator, then a ground and a red wire going to the Ammeter from the regulator. My car has several wires, I will try to elaborate based on the pictures I have linked below. There is a red and white wire coming from the carb, the red goes to the ignition coil and the white goes to a light (I'm assuming a charging light). There's a black light from the gen/alt to the light as well. There is a yellow, orange, and green wire coming from the gen/alt to the box mounted on the side of the engine bay (I'm assuming this is a voltage regulator?). You can see this in the second photo (don't mind the dirty bay, I'm working on that lol). Any ideas to figure this out (and why my car isn't charging) would be greatly appreciated! Top of the gen/alt: drive.google.com/file/d/1wjK3ObHNEteGMqQWGQzSirHonZGDtzBQ/view?usp=sharingBox on the side of the engine bay: drive.google.com/file/d/1wmm8-aOuPQghmHcF-LsoKP-bowIpRMkj/view?usp=sharing |
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Post by jspbtown on Sept 8, 2020 18:13:25 GMT -5
You have a Motorola alternator with external regulator. Not really the best thing you can have. The never internally regulated (Bosch style) alternators are much better. You might have a bad alternator or a bad regulator. Your best best is a multi meter and test the voltage coming out of the alternator and test it coming out of the regulator. You should be 13.5-14.5 volts (ish) coming out of the regulator. The alternator readings should spike well above that as you increase the rpms.
You also need a charging light.
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Post by poborne on Sept 8, 2020 18:43:40 GMT -5
If I change to a Bosch style, what would I need to change with the wiring? It doesn't drain fast, it takes a few days then it gets down to about 50% power and won't start. Isn't the light in the picture a charging light? If so, is it wired correctly? It never lights up but I'm assuming if the alternator is bad it wouldn't light up anyway, am I right?
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Post by jspbtown on Sept 8, 2020 19:05:02 GMT -5
If you changed to a Bosch style you take the fat red wire and attach it to the lug on the alternator (similar to where it is now). There is also a tab on the Bosch alternator that needs to be attached to one lead of a 12 volt lamp. The other lead from the lamp goes to a keyed power source. I really can't tell what that might be on what you have. Generally the alternator warning light is located on the dash. Do you have one on the dash? It really doesn't have to be but its purpose is two fold: 1. To excite the alternator windings to get the alternator charging 2. To let you know if the alternator is not charging. Now you can hide the light in the engine bay but it kinda defeats purpose #2. As I have said before...these cars are home built. Generally they are wired poorly. Based on what you have shown in pics I can't tell anything other than it was done poorly. It might work...but it is still done poorly. If you swap it out its a simple two wire job. And you can get rid of the regulator and any associate wirings. Here is a good thread with pictures: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=665473 |
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Post by poborne on Sept 8, 2020 20:22:03 GMT -5
Would this be the kit that I need: www.jbugs.com/product/9451.htmlOr could I get away with just the alternator here? www.jbugs.com/product/9453-7.htmlI'm not sure if I need the new stand and accessories or not. For now I'm leaving the light where it's at but I will move it later, unless there is wiring already in place that I can use to move it. |
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Post by Gary Hammond on Sept 8, 2020 21:35:11 GMT -5
Here's a link to alternators from CB Performance. AlternatorsGary Hammond,   |
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Post by poborne on Sept 8, 2020 21:44:01 GMT -5
Well the prices are definitely better there, thanks Gary! How can I tell if I need the replacement stand for the new alternator? Obviously I don't want to order parts I don't need.
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Post by Gary Hammond on Sept 8, 2020 22:09:24 GMT -5
You already have an alternator, so you already have the stand as well. You only need to replace the stand when changing from a generator to an alternator. Gary Hammond, |
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Post by poborne on Sept 9, 2020 4:59:14 GMT -5
That makes sense. Next question, do I need the one with the built in regulator (2155) or can I just get the 75 amp (2139)?
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Post by Gary Hammond on Sept 9, 2020 7:14:37 GMT -5
I think they all have the built in regulator, but you can contact them to find out for sure. 1-800-274-8337 Gary Hammond, |
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Post by jspbtown on Sept 9, 2020 8:50:06 GMT -5
Be sure to check if you can get the pulley off before you order. You might need one of them as well.
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Post by poborne on Sept 9, 2020 9:37:19 GMT -5
I called and they said they all have the built in regulator. He suggested the 60 amp unless I planned on running high powered amps/speakers, which I don't. I asked about any extra parts needed and he said everything should swap right over. Thanks for the help! Hopefully I have it next week.
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Post by poborne on Sept 9, 2020 13:54:07 GMT -5
Ok stupid question. Can I reuse the gasket between the carb and manifold or should I o head and replace it? I just saw where the carb has to come off to get the alternator out with the fan and I can't get the gasket anywhere besides ordering it and paying shipping. Any other gaskets I may need?
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Post by jspbtown on Sept 9, 2020 16:19:24 GMT -5
You will likely be able ti use it if you remove the carb carefully. If you tear it it will have to be replaced.
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