6v Generator Light

[neilbardsley]

The red generator light does come on at startup on my 356. Once the car is running if the revs drop below 800rpm then the light comes on. If I rev the car I can get 7v plus from the B+ terminal. I did this test a while ago and haven't been able to retest since the carbs are off the car. I took the black signal wire off the D+ terminal and directly connect it to B+ and the light didn't come on. Therefore I need to check the bulb and signal wire? Just incase they have failed since I last drove. Another strange strange feature is that voltage at B+ is 5.9v but across the battery terminates it's 6.1v. Therefore I'm losing .2v somewhere between the battery and B+. I quess there are connects to clean. Plus I've been charging the 6v Optima most of the day and it isn't going much above 6.2. Then the moment I turn to ignition to on it dropped to 6.1. Then the instant I started charging again it jumped. Maybe the battery isn't holding load well? How often to people replace their 6v batteries? This is my 2nd Optima since I've owned the car.

[neilbardsley]

Appears my 356 is wired differently than the diagram. B+ should go back to a direct line to the battery. This used to directly supply power to the starter. Instead my B+ connects to a black box n the gearbox and then into a red line on must go elsewhere before getting back to the battery?

Anybody ever seen one before?

It's not easy crawling under the car with only half jacked up.




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[mycar]

Yep, no idea.

Your are using using axel stands ?

[neilbardsley]

Yep, no idea.

Your are using using axel stands ?

Yes but I only had one.

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[Hugo 356]

Is it a starter relay? Best I can find on the web is (note people mount the relay in various places):



full article here:
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wired/wir ... _03_01.htm

if you have the 356 (registry) technical guide compilation there's a good article on relays by Joe Leoni I used to make one up

As for 6v batteries I'm on my second Optima. The first lasted 10 yrs or so but word on the Registry forum is the current ones have much shorter lives. I think it's normal for the red light to come on at tickover. If she hasn't dumped you at the side of the road yet I'd be inclined not to worry about it. I'm sure you're aware but if the green light comes on permanently stop the engine and investigate...

[Nine One One]

Neil,
Wiring up a relay is just for the starter its not going to effect your generator light.

It might well be worth cleaning the contacts inside the regulator, and you can also adjust it accordingly as well......................

This might help, did it a few times on Beetle regulators

Ian

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... p?t=195023

Needless to say doesn’t work on the newer sealed units

[neilbardsley]

Yes I thinking that is a starter relay because it no longer connects to the starter.

See here the B+ should go directly to 20 on the starter. Which comes from the battery.

This morning I placed a wire directly to 20 on the starter and had a consistent voltage between the battery and B+. This is a temporary fix and I will remove the existing relay and connect the black in to 20 on the starter once I have the car running again

I had some good quality wire spare

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