Generator

[Woodie1]

Can I assume that if the generator will motor when connected to a battery charger that is is good? My ammeter shows no charge. I have replaced the cutout with a couple different ones ( diode conversions). I tried a new ammeter & no change. I will check continuity of wires tomorrow & dissassemble the gen if need be. I have never had this problem before. Usually if the gen spins it's good.

 

[nkaminar]

There was a recent thread about this. The generator would turn over but not charge. The problem was traced to two problems. The armature was bad and the field wiindings were not wired correctly. See https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350134&showall=1

 

[Woodie1]

The gen had been working for quite some time so I'm sure it's wired correctly.

 

[nkaminar]

The owner of the generator on the other thread eventually took the generator to an experienced expert.

 

[ndnchf]

Usually a generator that motors will charge also. But not always. There are many things that can prevent it from charging. Look at the linked previous discussion. Good information there.

Steve

 

[Bob Bidonde]

It may be the commutator that needs work. The commutator connects the generated voltage to the electrical system. This slide may help you.

 

[rotorwrench]

Rather than motor it. With battery fully charged, jumper a test light to the power out terminal with the terminal isolated and the test light circuit grounded. Start the engine and see if the lamp lights up. No light, no charge.

Insulation can break down over time and terminals can come loose. Shorts to ground or open circuit can happen in the field coils or the armature as well as interconnections. Make sure the cut out or diode functions. A person can bypass the cut out while it's running and see if the ammeter shows a charge. Bearings, brush springs, and brushes wear out so it may be time for an overhaul.