Charging problem

B

bagpiper

Member
Some time ago, I managed to charge the battery in my '29 Tudor backwards. After completely discharging it and recharging correctly, the car started and ran fine. Now, the Ammeter shows nothing and the battery goes dead in a short time with light usage, blowing horn, etc. It appears that the generator is not charging at all. What is the likely cause and remedy. Any help appreciated.
 
After a battery has been charged backwards, I've never had good luck trying to reverse it back to normal. Have you tried another battery? Also be sure to polarize the generator AFTER the battery is installed correctly. To polarize, just jump a wire across the two cutout terminals for one second.

If you had been using an alternator, then most likely some diodes would be burned out and maybe the regulator.
 
What kind of reading are you getting with the multi-tester? It should read in the 6V range. Also, take a battery filler bulb and suck up the water from the cells and observe whether or not the water is clear or muddy looking. If it is dirty looking, toss the battery. I never charge the battery with it hooked up----no matter what. I learned the hard way. With the battery disconnected you can charge it just like you would with a modern negative ground system.

Jack
 
Engine off to answer your question..
In addition to making sure its polarized, put the positive lead of a volt meter to ground and than touch negative to, say the terminal, and see what kind of voltage is being put out by the generator.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. A friend has my car and is checking it out for me. Will let you know the outcome.
 
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