How do I check my generator to see if it working right?

DeBordEngineMan

DeBordEngineMan

Senior Member
I have a generator on my 29 Tudor Sedan thinking about changing over to alternator first what is the better to have? What are the pros and cons of each? I am running 6 volt stock lights and horn I am making a daily driver will the generator do what I need? If I have to replace it each one costs about the same so don't know which is better to have? Also don't know if it is working OK? How do I go about checking it to see if it is working correctly? Thanks Robert DeBord
 
Alright let me be first in the Generator, Alt debate.

A stock car will do all you need with a generator so neither is better.
To test your generator, drive the car above 15 miles per hour and see if the amp meter shows a charge with no lights on. If not I would suspect the generator but it could be the third brush adjustment (why it would be out of adjustment for normal driving I don't know) You could take it to a generator/alt shop and have it tested as well.

With that said there are changes anyone can, and some do, make.

1) If you keep the generator (I think the Alt looks out of place) think about purchasing one of the three regulators out there. They install easy, look original and will give you the power needed for extended night driving or slow parade driving blowing the horn.

2) If you decide to go to an Alt. I would suggest changing over to 12v neg. The Alt @ batteries are easier to obtain and the other changes are simple.

I could go on and give all the vendors and procedures but then the other would have nothing to post. :rolleyes:

Ok now lets hear from the others.
 
Ok, being electronically challenged, can someone elaborate on the voltage regualtors available for the original 6v positive ground generators and where to obtain them?
Despite, my best attempts to keep the charge rate reasonable with the movable brush, I've burned up a few batteries.
Thx!
 
HoarseWhisperer said:
Ok, being electronically challenged, can someone elaborate on the voltage regualtors available for the original 6v positive ground generators and where to obtain them?
Despite, my best attempts to keep the charge rate reasonable with the movable brush, I've burned up a few batteries.
Thx!
Click to expand...
get in touch with tom wesenberg he is on this site and makes a reliable evr. his email is

tjw2831@hotmail.com
 
DeBordEngineMan said:
I have a generator on my 29 Tudor Sedan thinking about changing over to alternator first what is the better to have? What are the pros and cons of each? I am running 6 volt stock lights and horn I am making a daily driver will the generator do what I need? If I have to replace it each one costs about the same so don't know which is better to have? Also don't know if it is working OK? How do I go about checking it to see if it is working correctly? Thanks Robert DeBord
Click to expand...

i would check your generator output by putting a dvom on the generator output terminal or at the battery. i wouldnt trust the amp guage as it could be broken
 
EVR-AL1-1.jpg


First impressions are everything, and an alternator just plain looks out of place. I find the original generator works great and supplies all the power I need. Even if someone added a bunch or accessories and needed more power, there are a lot of later generators that could be easily mounted and put out 35 amps.

To check you generator:
1. Make sure you have a 6 volt battery with the + grounded.
2. Polarize by jumping the 2 cutout terminals with a wire.
3. Run the engine at a fast idle and check the amp guage.
4. If no amps showing, jump the 2 cutout terminals again.
5. When you polarized the generator there should be a small spark, if not check the wires and connections in the charging circuit.
6. If you have a small spark when polarizing, but show no charge when jumping the 2 cutout terminals the generator needs to be repaired.
7. If you show a charge when jumping the 2 cutout terminals, then the cutout needs to be repaired.

The picture shows the EVR I make, which fits in place of the adjustable brush and it's holder. There is also a band mounted EVR and one that replaces the cutout. Which ever EVR you choose to use, it's far superior to the stock unregulated system.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
There is also a band mounted EVR and one that replaces the cutout. Which ever EVR you choose to use, it's far superior to the stock unregulated system.
Click to expand...

And one that replaced the cutout with a unit that looks like a cutout by fun projects.

So there are three different regulators to choose from.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
EVR-AL1-1.jpg


2. Polarize by jumping the 2 cutout terminals with a wire.
4. If no amps showing, jump the 2 cutout terminals again.
5. When you polarized the generator there should be a small spark, if not check the wires and connections in the charging circuit.
6. If you have a small spark when polarizing, but show no charge when jumping the 2 cutout terminals the generator needs to be repaired.
7. If you show a charge when jumping the 2 cutout terminals, then the cutout needs to be repaired.
Click to expand...

I take it these steps would be bad for those who have installed an electronic cutout?

Rich
 
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