[Vwdiesel] Alternator talk for beginners. --( this forum is loaded with expertice)

[H . Hagar.]

I am pretty nifty around them electrons  and I am not alone.

We have on tap people who can answer ANY question ----just ask -  any thing
about starters and Alternators  and Generators   and Batteries ---this place has it
in spades.

In general Auto Alternators will not self excite    no matter how fast you turn them
they need to be "PRIMED" from the battery.  That is what that extra terminal
does, It sends dc via the Key switch to the alternator field. Used for getting
it going only.

Generators  will selfstart  self excite  due to residual magnetism . And yes they do at
times start off with the wrong polarity.To solve that problem just ask.

Alternators in Old military aircraft (USA)  was started by the Pilot  he would push a 
springloaded toggle switch for a second or two. Looking at the voltmeter.

Hagar.

PS :   getting all excitet.