generator to alternator - again?

jan72 · Post by **jan72** » Wed May 30, 2007 2:01 pm

What do i do in case of swapping from generator to alternator?
Superbeetle 70. The regulator is under the seat. The alternator has it inside.
Thank you.

Speedy Jim · Post by **Speedy Jim** » Wed May 30, 2007 2:49 pm

This page of my web site:
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/schem/gen_alt.htm

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:51 pm

please post back.. this is a common upgrade.

mech361 · Post by **mech361** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 4:33 pm

A friend of mine just installed an alternator in a buggy that has no warning lights, where would he connect the small wire on the alternator to. I think this is the wire that would normally go to the charge light circuit. Maybe?

Speedy Jim · Post by **Speedy Jim** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 5:00 pm

This sketch shows the most basic wiring he needs.
Just mount (2) 12V pilot lights somewhere and wire as shown.

Without the pilot light for the alternator connection, the alternator
won't begin charging.

Speedy Jim
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/

TNFrank · Post by **TNFrank** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 5:08 pm

Would it work just as well to run it thru a gauge(amp meter) as it would to run it thru a light?

mech361 · Post by **mech361** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:07 pm

Thank-You Jim, this is most helpful.

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:09 pm

A gauge does not apply a load. They are measuring tools.

Post by **Marc** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:22 am

An ammeter doesn't connect to the field windings of the alternator like an idiot light does. When you switch on the ignition, power feeds through the warning light filament to the field windings to energize them and get the alternator charging. Once it does it's self-sustaining...you may be able to "kick off" the alternator without the light by buzzing the engine to high RPM, but there's very little iron in an alternator and therefore not much of a residual magnetic field present - particularly if it's been idle for more than a few days.
If you have a voltmeter or ammeter to monitor the charging system and don't want to bother with wiring in a warning light all that's necessary is to wire a bulb in the engine compartment between terminal 15 on the ignition coil and the DF terminal on the alternator. But it's not much more trouble to put the light up front where it'll catch your attention quickly in the event you shuck a fan belt, and that could prevent you from frying a motor.

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:07 am

you can use a diode instead of a light also.

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:08 am

I forgot, the diode connects to the positive post on the coil.

TNFrank · Post by **TNFrank** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:58 am

So basically, you need somekind of load on the Alt. to kick in the Regulator. Ok, got it, thanks.

mech361 · Post by **mech361** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 5:50 pm

We've decided to wire in a charge light for the owner, for his protection. Thanks to all who responded, Donny.

Post by **Marc** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 12:50 am

TNFrank wrote:So basically, you need somekind of load on the Alt. to kick in the Regulator. Ok, got it, thanks.

Not technically accurate, but you don't need to understand what's going on - just put the light (or diode) in and all will be well.