april BS thread
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
Well so far I have cleaned up the terminals and wire fittings on the generator. I am going to eat some lunch then fire it up and see if it will charge the battery. Yesterday while it was running if I pull the negative cable it dies. Just like a bad alternator in a car. Problem is a new genny is around $146 and its an all day job removing and re installing one... I don't know how to rebuild one or if its even possible...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
I mentioned the idea on the vw forums and they were wondering why I'd want to do an alternator swap. I was trying to find out how difficult it would be. I don't know if I would go so far as to go the 3g, maybe just the same one that's in the bronco. This generator is only rated for about 30 amps. which would be plenty for my needs but having 70 would be nice.
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
i would say that the 130a 3g that many of us play with is too much, but a 75a small-case 3g from an escort or something would be pretty cool in my opinion. then you can afford the power for a big stereo, big lights, and other toys 
but then i guess i am the guy who did a 3g swap in my flatbed just because i was bored one night, no other reason.
but then i guess i am the guy who did a 3g swap in my flatbed just because i was bored one night, no other reason.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
Back in the day when I rolled air cooled VW there was a rather common alternator swap that was a bolt on replacement for the generator. FWIW there is very little to go wrong with a generator, try polarizing it again. If that don't do the trick check the brushes and regulator. They really are very easy to work on.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Do you have the generator or the alternator? What is it not doing exactly ?
On the generator side of things you have the regulator to check and it may just need
to be polarized if someone has taken it apart. The brushes can be replaced very easy.
Then there is the one often over looked item. The little lamp in the dash is not than
an idiot light. It is needed to provide a ground return path for the regulator. It is out
it won't change.
When you turn the key on you should have a red and a green light in the speedo light up.
Alternator has an internal regulator and is not that hard to swap if you have the
right socket for the nut on the back that holds the cooling fan on.
Post a photo of the top side of the engine and let us see that also.
Sean
On the generator side of things you have the regulator to check and it may just need
to be polarized if someone has taken it apart. The brushes can be replaced very easy.
Then there is the one often over looked item. The little lamp in the dash is not than
an idiot light. It is needed to provide a ground return path for the regulator. It is out
it won't change.
When you turn the key on you should have a red and a green light in the speedo light up.
Alternator has an internal regulator and is not that hard to swap if you have the
right socket for the nut on the back that holds the cooling fan on.
Post a photo of the top side of the engine and let us see that also.
Sean
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,726
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From: bellingham ,Washington
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
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Hey everybody, been a little while since I've posted much. Weld, weld, weld.
Anyway, I got an opertunity to buy a power inverter (1200 amp), and a couple year old optima yellow top battery for $160. Is it a good deal? Been thinking about trying to set my truck up to use as a actual work truck. Not sure if a 1200 ( not sure if its watt or amps) is enough to run power tools. Grinder, saws all, portaban and such.
As far as the battery it's at least a couple years old and I heard if you we're to go dual batteries, should buy two the same ratings and both new.
Anyway hi everyone. I'm going to go because my girl is bugging me A LOT. and I'm tired.
Anyway, I got an opertunity to buy a power inverter (1200 amp), and a couple year old optima yellow top battery for $160. Is it a good deal? Been thinking about trying to set my truck up to use as a actual work truck. Not sure if a 1200 ( not sure if its watt or amps) is enough to run power tools. Grinder, saws all, portaban and such.
As far as the battery it's at least a couple years old and I heard if you we're to go dual batteries, should buy two the same ratings and both new.
Anyway hi everyone. I'm going to go because my girl is bugging me A LOT. and I'm tired.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
Hey everybody, been a little while since I've posted much. Weld, weld, weld.
Anyway, I got an opertunity to buy a power inverter (1200 amp), and a couple year old optima yellow top battery for $160. Is it a good deal? Been thinking about trying to set my truck up to use as a actual work truck. Not sure if a 1200 ( not sure if its watt or amps) is enough to run power tools. Grinder, saws all, portaban and such.
As far as the battery it's at least a couple years old and I heard if you we're to go dual batteries, should buy two the same ratings and both new.
Anyway hi everyone. I'm going to go because my girl is bugging me A LOT. and I'm tired.
Anyway, I got an opertunity to buy a power inverter (1200 amp), and a couple year old optima yellow top battery for $160. Is it a good deal? Been thinking about trying to set my truck up to use as a actual work truck. Not sure if a 1200 ( not sure if its watt or amps) is enough to run power tools. Grinder, saws all, portaban and such.
As far as the battery it's at least a couple years old and I heard if you we're to go dual batteries, should buy two the same ratings and both new.
Anyway hi everyone. I'm going to go because my girl is bugging me A LOT. and I'm tired.
Is the inverter AND battery for 160? If so, it might be worth it if the inverter is a good brand. The battery might only be good for exchanging as a core. Though them gel batteries are great (I have one) getting one that is a few years old will only last so long. If it's a temporary deal than it should be alright but I'd get 2 new ones pretty quick if that's what you want to do. I wanted to get a yellow top for my bug but they are too big to fit in that small of a space. Having a battery that is emitting hydrogen gas right in an area prone to shorting the battery on the seat frame scares me. I've thought about putting a piece of carpet inbetween or something but recently I haven't had a chance to even put the seat back where it goes...
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
I'm gunna buck the trend here, a well maintained optima yellow will last a loooooong time. Hell I have a red in my truck right now that is 8 years old and going as strong as they day I got it, and the yellows are built better then the reds(thicker plates/more lead).
As for the inverter 1200watts continuous or peak? if peak then likely 600 continuous which really isn't much, you'll find a sawzall or even a drill will push it. I'm eyeing a 5000cont/10,000 peak inverter. If I pick it up I'll make ya a deal on my 3000watt one.
All in all I say offer him $50 but as much as $70 is a deal for the battery and pass on the small inverter unless a really good deal for a bigger one later. Put the battery on a charger for a bit, let it sit for a week and see if it still has a charge. If so it's good, put it in your truck and run it. Few things maintain a battery better then starting your daily ride.
Edit, I'm eyeing one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-wa...ter-96706.html
As for the inverter 1200watts continuous or peak? if peak then likely 600 continuous which really isn't much, you'll find a sawzall or even a drill will push it. I'm eyeing a 5000cont/10,000 peak inverter. If I pick it up I'll make ya a deal on my 3000watt one.
All in all I say offer him $50 but as much as $70 is a deal for the battery and pass on the small inverter unless a really good deal for a bigger one later. Put the battery on a charger for a bit, let it sit for a week and see if it still has a charge. If so it's good, put it in your truck and run it. Few things maintain a battery better then starting your daily ride.
Edit, I'm eyeing one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-wa...ter-96706.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
I do agree the Optima's are a great battery. I love that I can flip mine and not spill dangerous acid! But getting a used one, unless it's a cheap price, is risky. A new one is $140~ so I'd agree with Brute on $50 or less for it.