Classic/Antique Car Repair: Beetle motor- not charging, power test, tremendous service

Question
I have a early 70's beetle motor that is not charging it has the generator on it.  When I got it the person I bought it from removed the generator and had it tested for the same issue.  He was told it was ok. So I reinstalled the generator and hooked up the missing regulator wire to D+ to D+, D- to D- and DF to DF.  Still not charging, so I polarized the generator and check again same no charging.  So I am wondering how to do the power test on it?  And shouldn't it show at least battery voltage to the D+ termainl when the key is on?  Because I always thought tha t generators need voltage to make voltage.

Thanks for you advise
Devin

Answer
Hi, Devin.

I was a bit rusty on the generator tech, as I've only used alternators in my VWs since about '85 or so...

Now, I could paraphrase what I found doing a quick search of my favorite VW tech site on the Web. Then I could look like the genius that I enjoy being sometimes. On the other hand, I feel pretty pumped-up today...the weather's fine, and I'm having a good day at the office, so I'm just going to send you there with a quick link:

http://www.vw-resource.com/generator.html#charging

These guys--Rob and Dave--have done us all a tremendous service by combining their extensive VW experience and writing a great website. If this page doesn't help you, you don't have a problem.

Thanks, Rob and Dave!

--Paul