New generator fizzles....

[Gypsie]

Riddle me this gang...

The Gypsie bug generator went kaput.

installed a new remanufactured one (6:30-midnight last night...Hey it was my first generator swap out in the bug...what can I say) and all was well...


for about 30 miles.

Then

at low rpms the gen light eeeeeased on. little rev light went right out.

happened only near idle. Went away just above idle.

then (5 city miles later...)

steady on at idle. went away a good way above idle (say 2000 rpms)

then (another city 5 miles later)

required about 3000 rpm to keep the light off.

Many stops to confirm the fan was turning as well as heat on to feel flow from the vents.


Now (at 45 miles since installation with the last 20 being freeway...) Gen light is always on.

Will check to see if there is gen power (increased light from lights on with just battery to lights on after start.

Fan belt tight.

No excessive heat.

Stumped.

Could just be a bad reman.

Didn't Job have to off someone to end his troubles?...uh...don't answer that.

[ruckman101]

Voltage regulator? Although I'm not sure a voltage regulator eases into failure. And, since it is fresh on my mind, check that the voltage regulator is properly grounded through the screws that attach it to the frame.

And make sure the generator brushes are in there correctly with the springs applying pressure.


neal

[Amskeptic]

Sit someone at the gen light.
Press on the brushes while engine is idling. Light go out?

I have seen brushes with inadequate spring tension or inadequate radius for the commutator do a fizzle carbon charcoal choke-to-death.
Colin

[satchmo]

Sit someone at the gen light.
Press on the brushes while engine is idling. Light go out?

I have seen brushes with inadequate spring tension or inadequate radius for the commutator do a fizzle carbon charcoal choke-to-death.
Colin

And check yer ground connections.

Tim

[hambone]

Any luck?

[Gypsie]

not lately....



but regarding the bug...Full on rain last night and sick and dern tired of futzin with cars fer a bit.

Finally had a chance to drive the volvo to work so the bug will get some attention this eve...maybe.

will check the grounds and brushes.

[hambone]

Could be the VR too if you have a spare to try...
Typically a symptom of high resistance in the wires, but not too often does it occur with 12V.

[ruckman101]

I'm leaning to a compromise of the generator brushes as Colin suggested. Poor contact, resistance, goobered.


neal