Try this again. I have a 1974 beetle with a alternator/with external regulator. I am replacing the engine that has a generator installed. How do I use the existing wiring for the generator?

60

Asked by steverk May 05, 2013 at 10:34 AM about the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The 1974 alternator has a 3 prong clip that has a DF, D+, and D- terminal which is connected to the external voltage regulator. The B+ is run to the battery. There is another wire on the B+ side, where it goes I am not sure.The generator appears to be wired similarly. I have another parts bug that used a generator that I can remove the voltage regulator from. Any way to wire this up?

11 Answers

under the backseat, there is a voltage regulator. why aren't we using this one?...oh yeah, are you are trying to use a one-wire replacement? The B+ and ground connection are the only ones we should be concerned with, the other wires should be ignored, if NOT using an external regulator- will have to make a/look at a drawing of the old system to make a schematic so we both can understand what to do with these extra wires-

6 people found this helpful.

DF= field coils D+ generator plus voltage D- =ground---a one wire lays waste to these---snip 'em...got it.

8 people found this helpful.

yes...the blue wire, okay connect your new alternator one wire output to the secondary of the voltage regulator, this should make the blue light come on under under-voltage conditions~....whew, got that one figured out...it kinda bugged me too...this simplicity is not without complications such as indication for non-functioning conditions...

1 people found this helpful.
60

This is the set up. So I use the B+(red/white) wire from the alternator connect to the D+ post on the generator. Then I use the DF(green) wire from the alternator to the DF post on the generator. The D-(brown) wire on the alternator becomes the ground on the generator. It will be best to replace the external Motorola regulator with the one for a generator.

2 people found this helpful.
60

Seems like it would work. Just changing wire locations and the voltage regulator to one that is common to the generator. I think the wiring form the regulator out should stay the same. I'll let you how it turns out. Any other opinions?

4 people found this helpful.

well DF=field coils (we definately don't need that) D+ sane as B+ You've got a "lineman's splice" into the B+, not quite sure how this will know that it has reduced fewer than 12.5 volts....think the ole voltage regulator had a reduced voltage blue light enabler...would make sense~ the field coils are not used with solid state, this voltage causes the pulses from the olde tyme coils, much like the old fashioned voltage regulators that GM would use a bank of three, ford two...back in the day...

2 people found this helpful.
340

I used a 71 Ford voltage regulator with my VW alternator. Way more dependable. Try this diagram.

25 people found this helpful.
340

I used a 71 Ford voltage regulator with my VW alternator. Way more dependable. Try this diagram.

9 people found this helpful.
50

This answer is late for this post, but.....why not just install the alternator and stand onto the replacement motor? It is a much more reliable system than the generator.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Beetle

Looking for a Used Beetle in your area?

CarGurus has 1,712 nationwide Beetle listings starting at $975.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,190
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,930
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,110
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
1,371 Great Deals out of 29,067 listings starting at $600
Used Ford Mustang
877 Great Deals out of 23,035 listings starting at $1,150
Used Toyota Corolla
1,663 Great Deals out of 24,787 listings starting at $975
Used Volkswagen Golf
70 Great Deals out of 866 listings starting at $2,149
Used Chevrolet Camaro
600 Great Deals out of 9,406 listings starting at $2,150
Used Chevrolet Corvette
725 Great Deals out of 12,191 listings starting at $3,200
Used FIAT 500
57 Great Deals out of 751 listings starting at $1,536

Used Cars for Sale

2019 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
20 Great Deals out of 157 listings starting at $12,988
2018 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
10 Great Deals out of 97 listings starting at $11,480
2017 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 88 listings starting at $10,995
2016 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
12 Great Deals out of 117 listings starting at $6,300
2015 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
13 Great Deals out of 133 listings starting at $6,881

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.