charging system on 51 ford

R

Rollingmenace

Member
ok the old 51 left me stranded a bit tonight.. I drove it a few miles away from home had the lights and heater running on hi...
got to our destination shut it down.. came out to leave hit the key it turned over about twice and that was it... had to call a friend for a jump.. got it running and made it half way home before the battery gave up.. pulled the battery brought it home and put it on charger for a few hours went back and drove it the rest of way home....
when running on the amp meter no light or heater load its right at 1/2
when lights and heater running its down below 1/4
the battery is only 6 months old im going to take it to get tested

#1 should the generator be able to keep up with the lights and heater blower running if the battery is a little low on charge or will it not put out enough to keep up
#2 how do I go about testing the components of the charging system.. especially generator and regulator ( the factory manual shows it being done on a bench with a big analyzer) can I do it in the car with a digital meter or even a analog..

I just need a little help to walk me through this as its a whole new thing for me..
 
If the battery was able to start the car it should recharge while driving at road speed. Charge it fully, run the motor with a load( lights, fan) put your meter across the batt then rev the motor some. You should see the voltage rise. As far as testing the separate components, try google or maybe someone else will answer......Mark
 
The voltage regulator needs to be adjusted so at driving speed the volt or amp meter should show a slight movement towards + or charge. To high of a charge rate and the battery will boil in day time driving, a minus - on the meter and the results are what you got. Once the meter gets into the minus area you are running on JUST the battery and as you found it don't work to long. Another help is to start with a fully charged battery. An alternator will also solve these problems. G.M.
 
Thanks guys I'll keep everybody informed of what I find... I do have everything needed for a complete rewire and 12v conversion I was just hoping to get some use out of the car before tearing it apart again
 
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