[T3] Electrical diagnosis

["Daniel Baum" <dbaum@isdn.net.il>]

Hi all,

Things are getting interesting now that my engine is running, because other
stuff is starting to work as well. Today I checked my generator and voltage
regulator, and just wanted to make I sure I hadn't missed anything, and that
my diagnosis is reasonable.

First of all, I fixed a couple of crossed wires (I am rewiring the car from
scratch) and now when I start the car all of the dash warning lights go on,
and then off again, except the generator light. This would be normal
behaviour in any other car I have driven but is a Type 3 supposed to do
this? I have never driven any other old VW so I simply don't know.

Next I had to find out whether the generator light staying on is a genuine
warning, or something wrong with the warning light, so I did a couple of
checks mentioned in both Haynes and Muir.

The results are:

Generator no load regulated voltage check - multimeter showed 0 volts, i.e.
something wrong somewhere between generator amd regulator.

Generator no load unregulated voltage check - multimeter showed 36 volts
when revving the engine. Thus generator is Ok and so voltage regulator must
need replacing. This despite the fact that my generator looks like a rusty
old piece of junk. I am really surprised that it checks out OK; this just
shows that the Germans really build things to last!

So, is there any other possible diagnosis other than a faulty voltage
regulator, other than the obvious one that I've wired everything up wrongly.
If the regulator is really bad, should I avoid starting the car until I get
it fixed? I am thinking in terms of possible damage to the battery or
something.

Also, The fuel gauge jumps around pretty unpredictably. What should I be
looking at, assuming the gauge itself isn't faulty?

Thanks,

Daniel Baum
'69 T34: Everthing missing, some things beginning to work.

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