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Gen light flicker when motoring, but not when idling

Hi All,

Quick question... 71 bus, Type 1 (AD) engine. My gen light flickered tonight when moving 2nd gear / 20mph ish, 3rd gear 30mph ish. No problem at idle. Engine bay seems a bit warm, especially the hoses to the fan. Oil dipstick was cool enough. I was driving at night, with wipers, and I have fitted a split relay charge circuit for the second battery. Just changed the gasket on one of the valve covers because it has been dumping tons of oil, and stuck a litre of 15w/40 in (its all I had to hand). I know its bad to mix oil grades, but its going to be a full change in a couple of weeks time anyhow, and I don't think this could possibly cause this problem.

Any pointers as to how I can diagnose this problem? Muir is as vague as timing, which I will change tomorrow (retard? advance? he doesn't say- will probably advance it a bit). Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Antony

Reply to
Antony Hutchison
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If it flickers at engine speeds above idle, could be brushes worn out. When worn they don't exert enough pressure to make solid contact.

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

Ok will check that out - but would it not also flicker at idle?? Just a thought...

A.

Speedy Jim wrote:

Reply to
Antony Hutchison

Might not at idle. Sometimes the increased RPM will make the brush "bounce" a bit. J.

Reply to
Speedy Jim

Thanks Jim, that makes perfect sense. Think I can get away with a dozen miles or so?

A.

Reply to
Antony Hutchison

You have my personal guarantee. J.

Reply to
Speedy Jim

Thank you sir, you are indeed a gentleman. Gentleman Jim. :-)

A.

Reply to
Antony Hutchison

Last time that happened to my bug, it was the Regulator box giving its last breath...

Reply to
Eduardo Kaftanski

It also wouldn't hurt to check the fan belt tension. I've had a loose one cause the problem you've described.

-Chip

'56 ghia, '66 beetle

Reply to
Chip Keller

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