On 9/3 I posted a charging problem on my '29 Tudor, and it was suggested by 2-3 people to polarize the generator. We have tried this and still no charge. The battery is good and takes a charge as it should. Neither the friend who is helping me or I know much about the generator. What would be my next logical step to pinpoint the problem and correct it ? Thanks again in advance for all the help. I'm trying to prepare this car to sell, and don't want the expense of installing an alternator.
Charging problem
- Thread starter bagpiper
- Start date
Using a volt meter, you can check the voltage coming out of the generator to see if the problem lies in the generator or somewhere downstream of the generator. With the engine running, connect positive to ground, and negative to the terminal coming out of the generator but before the cutout. You should get somewhere in the 6v+ ballpark. If not, something is wrong with the generator.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Good advice, and a quick check for downstream from the cutout is to connect a battery charger + to a head nut, and - to the cutout terminal (the side NOT connected to the generator stud). If the battery charger shows a charge, then the wiring should be OK, as well as the battery cables and grounds.
To check the cutout, just jump a wire between the two cutout terminals while the motor is running. If the ammeter now shows a charge, then the cutout isn't working.
To check the cutout, just jump a wire between the two cutout terminals while the motor is running. If the ammeter now shows a charge, then the cutout isn't working.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
You were lucky the generator didn't fry itself because an unregulated generator can reach 40 volts when it's not connected to the battery.