Charging

[Mike]

I have a 1971 Brazilian 1600 in my car and it doesn’t start charging until I rev it up to 4000 rpms.  Then it charges for the remainder of the trip.  Same story every time, totally repeatable.  The alternator has an internal regulator.  I first thought it was some loose connection but I checked all of those; the rpm thing seems to be the deal.  Any ideas?  

[edward ericson]

old brushes? dirty commutator? Just throwing out tech sounding terms here…

[Mike]

Can I rebuild it or do we just buy a reman these days?

[Steve Struchen]

Belt too loose?

[Peter C. King]

Try removing the belt and turning the alternator by hand. It should turn smoothly. If its hard to move or has a flat spot it’s time for a new one. Remans are cheap. Pay attention to proper belt tension on the next one.

[Charles]

My 71 charges fine at low Rpm when first starting. It has a 12v generator with a 12v regulator under the drivers side of the rear seat.

1971 super beetle semi auto.

[Charles]

Change your regulator if it bolts on the back of your alternator. My 84 rabbit did that often.

[Author]

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