Hi all,
I am a new member from South Africa. I recently bought my first car 2 weeks ago, and it is a nice 1966 bettle. Im not sure why it wont start but I strongly suspect that the battery is not charging well, because if u push start it, it starts and u can drive it well. the problem is even after a long drive the battery is not charged enough for the starter. I have tried jumpstarting it with a 12 volt battery and it started first time. I have been told by some people to check the belt on the generator, It is a little loose, how tight is it supposed to be?
Please help me as I would like to fix this so that my bettle will be in perfect running condition. Everything is perfect except for a few rust bumps but the car is still original despite that its from a coastal city.
Tapiwa
Battery not charging enough for the starter
- jmartini
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It could be the belt, or the generator brushes, or a bad voltage regulator or generator. The belt should be 1/2" - 3/4" deflection. Good luck, make sure you check your generator brushes. I highly recommend the book "How to keep your Volkswagen Alive" by John Muir - it has step be step instructions on how to keep your baby running!
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- Senior Member
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- Location: Tampa, Florida
I agree with John on the voltage regulator and brushes, but the fact that it charges while running and the gen light goes completely out would indicate it's probably not a charging problem. It could be a weak 6-volt battery. I would urge you to switch to an Optima 6 volt battery.
Also, check out my post on hard starting at this thread: http://www.1966vwbeetle.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=448
Also, check out my post on hard starting at this thread: http://www.1966vwbeetle.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=448