Re: [T3] Another Intro (Another Woman)

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 14 May 2007 at 22:21, Shari Hawkins wrote:

> My name is Shari. I joined the list last October when my "new" 1968 diamond
> blue Notchback was making its way from Florida to Wisconsin. I was able to
> drive the car just long enough before winter to test and fail emissions
> twice. My last time out, the generator light came on within a mile of home. 

Does your notch have FI or carbs?

> Now, six months later, I want to drive... Unfortunately I can't even get out
> of the garage! I replaced the battery last week and it started up, but the
> red light was still on. Tonight, nothing. The brand new battery won't hold a
> charge. The generator belt looks good and so do the wires. 

It's clear that your charging system is not working. Your old battery was 
probably fine, but no battery will work for long without a charging system. I'm 
sending you my charging system FAQ so you can try diagnosing and fixing this 
yourself. Remember, no one loves your car more than you do, so it's well worth 
putting a lot of yourself into a car like this.

If this is a FI notchback, then the non-functioning charging system would also 
explain the poor emissions. I've never seen a FI notch, but they're out there, 
just never sold in the US.

> My father was a mechanic, my ancestors were all German, and my not-so-handy
> husband gave me a Bentley manual for Christmas... But that's where I'm
> stuck. Overall the car is in really good shape, and I got it to be my daily
> driver (at least 7 out of 12 months). Right now I'd be happy just to get it
> 3 miles down the road to the service station! 

> Reading the emails over the last few months I have to say I feel comforted
> just to live in such close proximity to Jim Adney's wealth of knowledge (I'm
> an hour from Madison). Please Jim, or anyone else, do you have some simple
> advice? 

You're close enough that I'd be willing to make a house call, if we can 
schedule it at a mutually convenient time. I'd like to see your car, and I'm 
sure we can make it happy again..

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI USA

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