Here is a fix that some of you who have starter/generators on
their engines might be interested in.
I have a 1969 Vega, hull # 703. The charging system stopped
working, and I traced the trouble to an unrepairable voltage regulator. Because
the generator also functions as a starter, the regulator incorporates a starter
relay.
The original unit was made by Bosch. The local Bosch
distributor didn't have one in stock, wasn,t sure there was one to be had in the
U.S. but if it was, the price would be $541.00.
I saw no reason why the starting and voltage
regulatingfunctions had to be in the same housing. I bought a Ford starter
solenoid, one they have been using for many years, and which they usually locate
in a wheel well. I selected this unit simply because they are so cheap (about
$17), and easy to find. If you go to an auto parts store and ask for a Ford
starter solenoid, they will ask you " which one", and you tell them "either". I
believe there are only two for passenger cars, and they are internally
identical.
I also bought a VW solid state voltage regulator, the kind
they manufacture as replacements for all post 1967 VW Bugs. The price was about
$50
I mounted and wired thetwo units in place. The
wiring is amost identical to that used for the original unit. Unlike the
automotive application where the units are mounted on grounded metal, you must
use a separate ground wire.
The system works perfectly, including the idiot light. The
total cost was less than $70. The units are much ruggeder than the one they
replaced, and are better sealed against moisture.
Does anyone know where I can get a used Solex carburetor to
use as a spare, or if there is some replacement for it?
Regards,
Mort
their engines might be interested in.
I have a 1969 Vega, hull # 703. The charging system stopped
working, and I traced the trouble to an unrepairable voltage regulator. Because
the generator also functions as a starter, the regulator incorporates a starter
relay.
The original unit was made by Bosch. The local Bosch
distributor didn't have one in stock, wasn,t sure there was one to be had in the
U.S. but if it was, the price would be $541.00.
I saw no reason why the starting and voltage
regulatingfunctions had to be in the same housing. I bought a Ford starter
solenoid, one they have been using for many years, and which they usually locate
in a wheel well. I selected this unit simply because they are so cheap (about
$17), and easy to find. If you go to an auto parts store and ask for a Ford
starter solenoid, they will ask you " which one", and you tell them "either". I
believe there are only two for passenger cars, and they are internally
identical.
I also bought a VW solid state voltage regulator, the kind
they manufacture as replacements for all post 1967 VW Bugs. The price was about
$50
I mounted and wired thetwo units in place. The
wiring is amost identical to that used for the original unit. Unlike the
automotive application where the units are mounted on grounded metal, you must
use a separate ground wire.
The system works perfectly, including the idiot light. The
total cost was less than $70. The units are much ruggeder than the one they
replaced, and are better sealed against moisture.
Does anyone know where I can get a used Solex carburetor to
use as a spare, or if there is some replacement for it?
Regards,
Mort