Aircooled VW South Africa

Gents,

so, about three weeks ago I was out in Winston and started to pick up a small hesitation. Had gone out to Durbanville to collect a Driving Sim steering wheel and pedal kit, and really struggled to start the bus at the guys house.. Had to jump it from my leisure batt, and managed to get him home.. Next day, I whipped out the Battery and bought a new one, bolted it in and all good to go. And running normal.

Today it started happening again while I was taking my kid to collect his car from a workshop. I got him to check my Digital Voltmeters in the back, and at 80 km'h the meter is on 13.0 Volts.. Now I know that is usually upwards of 13.5 give or take, so, can I assume from this my Alternator is struggling, and, where in Cape Town would you guys suggest I take it to get refurbished\serviced please?

thanks in advance.

Alan P.

Hi Alan

Is this a alternator with a internal or external regulator? It may be the regulator and not the alternator. Is your charge light in the dash coming on when switching on your ignition and going out when the motor is started and revs pick up?

Genuine Bosch can be serviced, but if it’s one of those Chinese varieties, it’s not so good to be serviced.

Sean,
The light on the dash is working as normal, and goes out when driving.

How else can I test to be 100% sure before I start pulling it out Sean?

Bosch unit.

The situation sounds strange. It may be the external voltage regulator that has the issue. It is simple enough to just try a different one and see if the situation changes.

Mmm.. so, started stripping. eventually realize I can't get it out without the fan shroud being loose, at least.. And not fun in a Baywindow.

So, I managed to roll the Alt, and get a long screwdriver on the Brush screws. This is what it looks like? Does this help??

Back together again, running, but same issue.

This is on the firewall.. Any idea if I can change this perhaps? And from where?


regards

Alan

That is the external voltage regulator in your pic. It looks to be an original one.

I buy them new at my local spares shop. The brand is Monark. Just ask for beetle voltage regulator.

Your brushes to appear to be worn down, but not completely finished. Those commutators also look deeply grooved from years of use, again, maybe not that bad to stop it running.

Did you have to apply spring pressure when inserting the brush holder to screw it down again? If not, your brushes are too worn then.

As Sean mentioned, on that specific 3-pin alternator (probably from 1974), there is an external regulator. Charging voltage is controlled by the external voltage regulator.

Sean, yes, putting it back in, I had to press it back down and hold it while putting screws back in.
I'll go source an external regulator and see what transpires.

If it's NOT that, then it's an Engine drop to get the alt out, correct? I cannot reach that nut at the back of the fan housing.

Alan,..I am not a bus person,...AND not a autolec,...I can help myself with a test lamp and some meter if I can remember what it's for, but as the guru's tell you Swop regulator out. And I would scuff the brushes yp a bit,...just for them to "reseat" again.

Botom line is you need an autolec to check it ini the bus before you go to the trouble of dropping the engine out. If the person can xheck the voltage and the amps and you,r happy then do a load test on the battery.

Just my 2cents worth.

Haans

If your charge light goes out, the Alty is working.

Just your voltage is not correct.

This can be your brushes, or the regulator.
I would change both as the cost for the brushes is not that high, but will ensure that that will not be an issue for a long time.

Fit the voltage regulator and then check the voltage.

Good Luck.

Herman

Thanks Herman.

Is it possible to get the brushes replaced on their own?
Ive asked my local Midas to get me a Regulator, so will hopefully see when that arrives.. But, sounds like a good idea to replace the brushes module.

Where Gents?
Thanks

Alan

Auto electricians next to suburban in maitland. They have plenty odd things lying around.
Don’t know their name, only ever went to them once.

If you do not come right, you can sometimes get them from;-
Midas
Autostyle
Volkspares.
And Bosch but more costly

Herman

FINALLY delivered to Midas Parklands today, and my missus picked it up. Got the right-handed kid coming round tomorrow late afternoon to remove the old one as Im a lefty and no chance can I get to it..
I REALLY hope thats all it is gents.. Are they known to fail Sean, Herman, Tony?