Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site bonnie.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!saf
From: saf@bonnie.UUCP (Steve Falco)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: VW electrical problem
Message-ID: <621@bonnie.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 13-Nov-85 08:06:30 EST
Article-I.D.: bonnie.621
Posted: Wed Nov 13 08:06:30 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 14-Nov-85 00:41:26 EST
References: <616@bbnccv.UUCP> <10952@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Whippany NJ
Lines: 19

> I do not understand at all how it is possible
> to generate current without this (stator lead) connected.
> Anyway, theory or not something strange is going on.  
> If anybody out there knows the "truth", please let me know.

I think with the wire disconnected you are making use of residual
magnetism in the iron.  Remember, you can build a gnerator with
permanent magnets.  Since the alternator components are made of soft
iron, the residual magnetism is not great.  Perhaps there is a magnetic
feedback which builds with increased RPM.

As a sidelight, the old-style generators had to be "polarized" when they
were installed.  This consisted of sending a DC current through the
windings to set up a residual magnetic field.  If you didn't do it, you
would usually get no output.  Sounds similar.  BTW, don't ever try to
polarize an alternator!!!  The current can burn out the diodes.  Plus it
is unnecessary...

	Steve Falco