36 ford charging system

[j.grif]

36 ford with generator regulator. The amp meter needle drops to bottom of ampmeter when turning on lights and takes high engine rpm to bring up to midlevel. Was wondering how to trouble shoot for this problem? With lights off the regulator charges normally. Thanks

 

[Kurt in NJ]

Probably normal, do you have stock bulbs or higher wattage-- or added driving lights
What amperage is your charge rate set to
Have you read the owners instruction book about setting the charge rate
The 36 service bulletins has a very good article about charge rate too

 

[Kurt in NJ]

So you have a round or oval cutout( what you call regulator) , the oval one has a rudimentary regulator, the round cutout just disconnects the battery from the generator when it isn't charging
There is an aftermarket regulator that looks like the round cutout
Without knowing what modifications from stock advice is only for stock systems, originally it was not intended to have a positive charge rate at idle or with the lights on

 

[j.grif]

Kurt,
This is a generator regulator on the old 36. Not a cutout. The generator is probably a 1941. Looking at another 36 with same setup and the ampmeter drops only a little with lights on and slight rpm increase will bring to charge rate. Guess will t/s by disconnecting wires and bulbs. Thanks