AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Electronics & Car Audio Forum => Topic started by: jim martin on December 03, 2004, 03:50:26 PM

Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: jim martin on December 03, 2004, 03:50:26 PM: well i finally figured out why my electronic window switch clicks.it appears that at idle -1000 rpm my car is not charging enough . battery voltage is sucking down bellow 12 volts.so looks like i need to replace my generator.so i figure its time to upgrade to a alternator.do i need anything special or will all my pulleys and stand be alright.is there any other benefit in changing to a alternator besides a higher max output.i'm old school and never used a alternator more conserned with clearance
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: volksbug on December 04, 2004, 12:27:53 AM: Gen. stand has to be changed and also voltage reg changed or eliminated depending on which alt you use, (internal or external reg.) and some minor rewiring. Your pullies should be ok. Marcel
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: Tom H. on December 04, 2004, 07:50:20 AM: I suggest finding a German alt stand, the aftermarket ones can have issues with alignment and cause the you to play the \"Belt Toss\" game.
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: Stevie on December 05, 2004, 12:34:45 PM: i have a german alternater stand if you want it, free of charge.
:)
Steve
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: silas on December 05, 2004, 02:04:15 PM: hey jim, grab stevies free german alt stand and a 55 amp bosch alt w/ an internal voltage regulator and you're good to go.

from what i've heard it's easier to do the swap w/ the engine out. it can be done with the engine in, but it is more of a pain.(not sure if thats true?)

the alt w/ the internal voltage reg will allow you to discard the external voltage reg. an alt will also produce almost twice as many amps as a generator. 55 amps from the alt compared to 30/35 amps from the stock gen.

aswell, the alt will put out more amps at a lower rpm. apparently a gen needs to speed up to produce more amps.
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: jim martin on December 05, 2004, 05:03:10 PM: i have my original stand from my 1500 cc engine that had a generator on it,
will that stand work with a alternator or do i need one desighned for a alternator.
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: silas on December 05, 2004, 06:03:54 PM: Quote
i have my original stand from my 1500 cc engine that had a generator on it,
will that stand work with a alternator or do i need one desighned for a alternator.
you will need an alternator stand.
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: Russ on December 05, 2004, 09:03:30 PM: doing the swap with the engine in was not too bad,the best thing i did when installing it was buy a new alt strap (new style) made my life easier i absaloutly hate the ones you have to push together then put a bolt through it :o
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: James Buchan on December 05, 2004, 09:13:41 PM: http://www.cbperformance.com/pdf/Alternato...WiringGuide.pdf (http://www.cbperformance.com/pdf/AlternatorWiringGuide.pdf)
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: jim martin on December 05, 2004, 09:14:57 PM: i also have one more stand .its from airspeed ,the aluminum one they sell .will that work ? or looks like i will owe stevie !
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: Bruce on December 05, 2004, 09:16:41 PM: My alternator of choice is the original VW Bosch 51A alternator with an external reg under the seat. Takes the round 3 terminal plug. I find they literally last forever. The one in my car is the original one from 1975 and its got around 240,000 miles on it. That's over 380,000km.
Title: Generator To Alternator
Post by: Stevie on December 05, 2004, 10:41:37 PM: well i have the stand and the regulator if you need it just let me know if you want them and honestly you won't owe me anything.
Steve