Battery being drained ...

[draggin49]

Hooked the car up to the battery tender last night till it was shown to be 100% charged.
After I took it off the tender today I reconnected the cables . Took it for a drive , about 40 min one way . Was parked at a place for 30 min then I left and drove it 40 min home.
I disconnected the battery cables and put it back on the tender to see where it was charge wise . It is showing 50% . I didnt run the lights at all while driving .

 

[JSeery]

Are you sure the generator is providing a charge while you are driving?

 

[petehoovie]

What does the ammeter show while you're driving?....

 

[draggin49]

This was when I was driving

 

[deuce lover]

Not charging,not good.Check into Ed Whitney & Co in SoCal to convert your gen.

 

[john in illinois]

I have a Whitney alternator and it works well. I use halogen lights and no problem.
http://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html

John

 

[draggin49]

Thanks guys , I’m gonna get a Whitney

 

[draggin49]

Can someone explain to me where the amperage gauge “should “ be reading .
At idle, while driving etc on a ford like mine that has a properly functioning generator

 

[petehoovie]

When the electrical system is in good working order, the ammeter should be reading on the CHARGE side of zero. The higher the RPM goes, the more charge you should see on the ammeter. Several things will play a role in the amount of charge as seen on the ammeter---e.g. condition of the battery, lights being used, generator output etc....

 

[deuce lover]

Maybe you should get a multimeter (Harbor Freight ?) and take some readings off your charging circuit (Gen).If your battery is good and fully charged the amp meter will not move much.Having Whitney redo your gen (which is what he does) might simplify things for you.Call them and speak to Tom.There is a wait time and its pricey but to me well worth it and yes I have had a few done by him.

 

[koates]

Your original Ford generator will not charge at engine idle speed. Have to be somewhat above idle speed before any charge will show on the ammeter. Is your generator the original Ford third brush unit with the round cutout on top ? If it is then generator will charge at whatever amps the third brush is adjusted at. There is NO voltage regulator on this system, only the third brush adjustment inside the generator. Need to know exactly what is fitted on your car. Regards, Kevin.

 

[V12Bill]

Does your mechanic know that this is a positive ground?

 

[petehoovie]

Does your mechanic know that this is a positive ground?

Good one, Bill....