If you have a small voltmeter or multimeter, measure the voltage across the battery terminals when the car is running with all accessories off and RPMs above idle. A reading of approximately 12.8V or higher indicates that your charging system is putting out something (ideally, that charging voltage should be between 13.5V and 14.0V). If so, you still have a problem -- albeit not the serious one that you fear (at least not yet).
If your problem stems from a worn out voltage regulator or a bad generator, you might want to consider comparing the cost of a new alternator versus repairing your old generator (including stand). Most techs out there today wouldn't even know how to diagnose a faulty generator so it might be something to keep in mind for the future. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Morehouse Sent: October 16, 2008 5:45 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [vintagvw] Generator Light on 72 BUg The other night as I was driving home from a play rehearsal in a neighboring town, my gen light came on. Headlights still worked and car ran fine (although running poorly at idle due to old gas I'm trying to flush out before refilling). Thankfully got home OK and looked at belt. Belt is intact and feels tight though I'll check that better in daylight this weekend. I haven't had any generator issues with this car since I got it when my father-in-law (1st owner) passed away in 98 so I'm unfamiliar with electrical diagnostics on generator. Can anyone advise what to look for first and how to try to diagnose what the problem might be? I'm afraid to drive it for fear I'm only running on the battery and might get stranded somewhere. I don't know if the gen is bad or bad brushes or diodes or what. Any diagnostic help would be much appreciated. I have had the gen off once when I pulled the engine during restoration process so I know how to get it out and I guess I could take to a gen shop for diagnosis but thought I'd ask the real experts first. It a 72 std. bug with stock everything incl generator. Thanks, Mike in AL In Christ and Christ alone, MIKE MOREHOUSE "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2nd Corinthians 5:17 _______________________________________________ vintagvw site list [email protected] http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw _______________________________________________ vintagvw site list [email protected] http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw
