Volkswagen Repair: 77 volkswagon bus wont start., air cooled vw, articles library

Question
okay, so i dont really know muck about cars. in fact this is my first car. i accedentaly left the key turned on and the battery died, so i went and charged it (12v 10a). and i guess that was too much, because when i went and plugged it in, smoke started coming from what i think is the generator.(when you are looking at the engine from the back it is the right side of the belt) i went to start it and it wouldnt start. the engine is turning over, what should i do?

Answer
Mason,
 I do not think charging the battery has caused this problem.  My guess is there was likely a short in the ignition circuit power to ground, which is now open (burned) and now there is no voltage to the coil.  You should have an alternator (not generator), which may have been marginally defective to begin with.  If you do not work on cars or you are not electrical tech, your task is daunting.  This link has a schematic diagram (under "Technical Articles" -> "Library" -> "Electrical Primary" -> "Air cooled VW wiring diagrams online"), but I suggest you get help is using them to troubleshoot.  After doing some checks and if you have more specific questions, I will be glad to answer.

http://www.type2.com/

Rick