I would like some help please for my 1980 Devon air cooled. Had problems with starting for some time and 2 months ago fitted new starter motor, bush and gearbox earth strap and then started ok every time until yesterday when the solenoid click, click came back.
The new battery was fully charged using external charger but when the engine eventually started, the red ignition light stayed on and would not go out. Also the drive belt looks a little slack, but how tight/slack should it be? I have a new spare belt.
The alternator looks original as was the very rusted starter motor. What do you suggest? New alternator? Wiring? Ignition switch?
1980 Air Cooled Alternator problem
Moderators: User administrators, Moderators
-
CovKid
- Trader
- Posts: 8411
- Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
- 80-90 Mem No: 3529
- Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
- Contact:
Re: 1980 Air Cooled Alternator problem
Try the belt first then report back.
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.
-
mgbman
- Registered user
- Posts: 56
- Joined: 19 Apr 2012, 14:03
- 80-90 Mem No: 10891
- Location: Tunbridge Wells Kent
Re: 1980 Air Cooled Alternator problem
Right, checked the belt today and the slack was about 0.5 inch up and down.
I managed to undo the 2 bolts on the brush pack and the unit looked very original and one brush looked ok but the other was worn right down. The unit had 07 83 on it, whatever that means.
Looks like I need to get a new brush pack. Are they readily available, I assume the alternator is the original Bosch 45A, looks like it.
I also checked underneath and noticed that the new gearbox earth strap fitted by a local garage had been bolted on to old rusted body and had not been cleaned up at all. Shoddy work!!!! Good mind to name and shame that garage and they claim to be vw experts!
So do it yourself is best, so I removed the earth strap and cleaned back to bright metal and bolted it back on.
Still charging battery as it went nearly flat due to alternator not charging.
Tomorrow I will see if the new starter motor fires up.
I managed to undo the 2 bolts on the brush pack and the unit looked very original and one brush looked ok but the other was worn right down. The unit had 07 83 on it, whatever that means.
Looks like I need to get a new brush pack. Are they readily available, I assume the alternator is the original Bosch 45A, looks like it.
I also checked underneath and noticed that the new gearbox earth strap fitted by a local garage had been bolted on to old rusted body and had not been cleaned up at all. Shoddy work!!!! Good mind to name and shame that garage and they claim to be vw experts!
So do it yourself is best, so I removed the earth strap and cleaned back to bright metal and bolted it back on.
Still charging battery as it went nearly flat due to alternator not charging.
Tomorrow I will see if the new starter motor fires up.
-
mgbman
- Registered user
- Posts: 56
- Joined: 19 Apr 2012, 14:03
- 80-90 Mem No: 10891
- Location: Tunbridge Wells Kent
Re: 1980 Air Cooled Alternator problem
Success today !!! An update for you all.
After yesterday's clean up of the gearbox earth strap contacts to clean bright metal, looked at starter motor and solenoid today. Straightaway I could see a problem in that when the 'vw experts' fitted the new starter motor they did not notice the exciter wire (red/black) spade connector to the solenoid was too big for the new solenoid male spade and so was loose.
I cleaned it up and fitted correct female size.
Re the alternator, I took the old worn out brush pack to local traditional auto electrical shop (Curd Brothers) in Tunbridge Wells and they sorted me out with a replacement and even showed me how to fit it into my alternator and only charged me £12 including vat.
Fitted the new brush pack no problem. Main battery charged up. Van started first go and ignition light went out and stayed out. Checked tickover output volts was 14V at battery.
The lesson has been to do jobs yourself and don't trust garages who claim to be vw experts and always check their work before parting with your money.
After yesterday's clean up of the gearbox earth strap contacts to clean bright metal, looked at starter motor and solenoid today. Straightaway I could see a problem in that when the 'vw experts' fitted the new starter motor they did not notice the exciter wire (red/black) spade connector to the solenoid was too big for the new solenoid male spade and so was loose.
I cleaned it up and fitted correct female size.
Re the alternator, I took the old worn out brush pack to local traditional auto electrical shop (Curd Brothers) in Tunbridge Wells and they sorted me out with a replacement and even showed me how to fit it into my alternator and only charged me £12 including vat.
Fitted the new brush pack no problem. Main battery charged up. Van started first go and ignition light went out and stayed out. Checked tickover output volts was 14V at battery.
The lesson has been to do jobs yourself and don't trust garages who claim to be vw experts and always check their work before parting with your money.