Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
determine cable diameter The older your Volkswagen the more likely it is that the electrical consumers no longer get the full 6 volts or 12 volts due to voltage losses between the battery and the consumer. A voltage drop across the electrical conductor is inevitable, we are dealing with copper and we cannot make the cross section of the cable infinitely large.
replacing spade connectors A messy electrical connection will soon lead to the failure of electrical accessories or, in the worst case, the engine. Incorrect connections can also result in short-circuits, causing the wiring harness to burn out. Enough reasons to master a good technique to make the electrical connections of your VW neat and tidy.
alternator operating principle The direct current dynamo greatest asset turned out to be its greatest limitation, the collector. Supplying more current would shorten the life of the carbon brushes; something had to be found for that. So the dynamo no longer sufficed for the new situation of the mid-sixties.
6 volts and 12 volts Until the early 1970s, the VW Beetles were equipped with 6 volts in their 1200 cc version. The 1300 cc Beetle was first equipped with a 12 volt system in 1968. The VW Bus and type 3 VWs were increased to 12 volts in 1967. Types 4 are in 12 volts, as they were only introduced to the market in the late 1960s.
crimp terminals Replacing the complete wiring loom seems the most obvious solution. We have them all in stock for every type of VW. But this is a very drastic job that you will probably only do when a total restoration is at hand. And, is it really always necessary?
DC versus AC A car needs a direct voltage of 12 V or 6 V to operate, a battery can only be charged by direct current. The alternator and dynamo generate alternating current. But what is the difference between AC and DC?
measuring electric current To measure current, you must interrupt the circuit through which the current flows. The ammeter must be connected in series. Therefore, that a current clamp is a better solution. This type of ammeter does not affect the circuit to be measured, it measures the magnetic field around the conductor (induction principle, see edition 26).
bearings replacement When you like to repair and replace everything on your classic Volkswagen yourself, there will come a time when you will have to replace damaged bearings? Bearings are used in the steering unit, suspension, wheel axles, dynamo or alternator, among other things.
replace dynamo bearings Dynamo bearings last a very long time, but they are wear parts. Wear will be promoted by an over-tightened dynamo pulley. A dynamo has two sealed ball bearings. These are bearings that do not require grease, but are factory ready to mount
voltage drops The electric consumers of your classic Volkswagen expect the full 6 volts or 12 volts (or more) to function properly, which is unfortunately not always the case. Especially the 6 volt version sometimes complains about slow running windscreen wipers, weak headlights and direction indicators that pinch too slowly.