Generator Cutout with Diode Installed

Afordman31

Afordman31

Well-known member
Sometime ago I purchased a Diode from Snyders and installed it in a spare generator cut-out. I installed the cut-out a couple days ago as my generator quite charging. It solved my problem. I had a spare diode and installed it in the cut-out that I took off and tested it on my generator, it also worked fine. Has anyone used this Diode method in their cut-outs and how did you like it? I found out that the instructions are for the original cut-outs not the reproductions which are configured different than the originals. I think with a little welding etc. that you could install one in the reproduction type.
 
Back in 1984 when I lived in Bakersfield, CA I burned up my generator using an original Ford cutout.

I replaced the innereds of the cutout with a diode, rebuilt the generator and have been running the same ever since with no problems.

Pluck
 
pluck i did the same thing, changed over and had no more problems, i like it no more worries, the cut out i bought already had the diode installed
 
Ditto what CCWKen said... I haven't used my battery charger, nor had to add water to the battery since I put a voltage regulator on my Model A. I just get in it and drive, day or night, lights or not. The battery's always happy and charged. Did the same with my T. Best money you can spend for your electrical system. You'll see it go to 10+ amps right after a start, then drop to near zero for the rest of the drive. The whole thing's hidden inside a totally stock-looking cutout case.
 
Is the voltage regulator a simple bolt-on replacement for the stock cut-out? No other "mods or adjustments?"

Could someone remind us again of who supplies them and how to get in contact? Thanks! Approximate price??

I'm presently running a diode-type cut-out purchased as a single unit and installed 6 years and 4000 miles ago. Zero problems, happy battery, good performance. But If I can get something that will be even kinder and gentler to my battery I'll go for it.

I hope the regulator's robustness and reliability is as least as good as the diode's.

Thanks,

Earle
 
The original cutouts are quite reliable. The reproductions are not. The major disadvantage to the diode is the heat it generates. If you have a problem with the amount of power available for lights and accessories a diode cutout will make the problem worse. With a diode cutout about 10% of the output of the generator is used to heat the cutout. A properly working mechanical cutout has no loss.
 
Here is the link for the guy that sells the modified cut-out that acts as a regulator. I have used one on my Model A (6-volt pos. ground) and it works fine, just have to be sure to set the third brush so the generator does not charge more than 15 amps maximum, then the regulator only allows the amount of amperage to flow through it to maintain proper voltage. The other regulator available for Model A generators is the type that mounts inside the case on the band, and controls the amount of voltage to the third brush. I had one of those years ago, and it worked fine until it burned up!
http://www.funprojects.com/products/10505r.cfm
 
I have been using the diode in place of a cut-out for many years, and it has worked without interruption. While it doesn't regulate as the "Fun Projects" regulator; I have been doing that with my lights.

I adjusted my third brush to just show a slight charge with the lights on high. You should not have to adjust it any higher as long as you don't add any more demand to the electrical system. After I start the car, I usually let it idle while closing the shed door. Then after starting down the road I turn on my parking lights. They drop the charge amps to about 3-4 amps. If I am going on a long trip, I turn on the head lights.

With all that said; my next step is to some day install a regulator. It will be either the "Fun Projects" unit, or the regulator sold by Tom Wesenberg.
 
Neat idea Ron/IA using lights tto regulate charging. Lots of British vintage cars ( MG , Austin 7 etc ) had Lucas ( Prince of darkness) cutouts with a switch on the dash to bring various resitors into the circuitry depending on whether headlights or sidelights were on, w hether you wanted high charge rate -10 amps or low charge rate 2 amps. Sadly most people drove with them on high charge pemanently so the battery was being wrecked by being flat through being left standing in the garage for weeks or being wrecked bycontinually having 10 amps through it when already full
 
Jerry Parr WI said:
The original cutouts are quite reliable. The reproductions are not.
Click to expand...

I was feeling pretty smug after driving my '31 Coupe about 5 times and after my cousin had driven the car quite a while before I bought it and the repop cutout was doing fine. Well, I discovered a very flat battery yesterday and after some checking, found the cutout points firmly welded together.

I'll be getting a voltage regulator!
 
FYI

When using FP regulator or trouble shooting a car with a FunProjects regulator remember this warning (check first before troubleshooting):

QUOTE

"Never short the voltage regulator terminals together
as with a jumper wire to test the operation of the regulator or to flash the generator - The voltage regulator will be damaged. Remove the voltage regulator from the generator before performing any tests on the generator."

UnQUOTE


If you flash the generator even for one second the $70 regulator is gone and no warranty!​



Complete installation instructions here:



Installing the battery as NEG ground will also damage the regulator.​
 
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I experienced a dead battery, when my cut-out diode failed. I always check my ammeter for discharge now when I shut the ignition off and switchoff the disconnect to be on the safe side.

I like the idea of the Fun Projects regulator, but from what I can tell by the photo, the Battery connector side doesn't appear as the original? :confused:
 
Bruce of MN said:
I was feeling pretty smug after driving my '31 Coupe about 5 times and after my cousin had driven the car quite a while before I bought it and the repop cutout was doing fine. Well, I discovered a very flat battery yesterday and after some checking, found the cutout points firmly welded together.

I'll be getting a voltage regulator!
Click to expand...

The regulators except for the Fun Products still require a cutout. The Fun Products regulator is a also cutout. Later generators with a regulator have one coil that is a cutout. Alternators have diodes that perform the function. You can change the name but you can't escape.
 
HoarseWhisperer said:
I experienced a dead battery, when my cut-out diode failed. I always check my ammeter for discharge now when I shut the ignition off and switchoff the disconnect to be on the safe side.

I like the idea of the Fun Projects regulator, but from what I can tell by the photo, the Battery connector side doesn't appear as the original? :confused:
Click to expand...
The Fun Projects voltage regulator looks like the repro cutout on the outside as far as the wire connections are concerned. They also have a version with Ford script. My cars are drivers so none of this mattered . Function was what was most important to me.
 
Purdy Swoft said:
The Fun Projects voltage regulator looks like the repro cutout on the outside as far as the wire connections are concerned. They also have a version with Ford script. My cars are drivers so none of this mattered . Function was what was most important to me.
Click to expand...


Understood Purdy.

However, the marketing on the web page: http://www.funprojects.com/products/10505r.cfm

Model A Voltage Regulator Without sacrifice of the original look you can now replace that troublesome generator cutout completely.
No lost "Show" points - exact replacement for generator cut out
 
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