Regulator for Stock Generator

[drgunter]

I have a 1932 pickup with the stock generator. I have noticed that the battery voltage - even with the charging rate turned all the way down - is way over 8 volts. Looks to me like it is cooking the battery. Has anyone had any success in building a regulator for the generator? I’m trying not to replace it with an alternator.

 

[34fordy]

I do not believe that your generator, if original type has a regulator. It has a small cutout on the top. The regulation control is the third brush inside the generator. It can be moved to set the amount you desire determined by the amount of night driving you do. I think someone with better explanation skills will tell you how or you can do a search on this site.

 

[cas3]

You can buy a cutout that has a diode inside instead of points at most the model A vendors. Used to able to buy a cutout that had a regulator , made by "Fun Projects", no longer available I think, maybe search that. You sure your 3rd brush is adjusted the correct direction to reduce output?

 

[Bob C]

Mike is building regulators for the three brush generators.
hill.mf@gmail.com

 

[ndnchf]

Mike is building regulators for the three brush generators.
hill.mf@gmail.com

I install Mike'e regulator in my '35 Ford's generator. It replaces the adjustable brush assembly and works great, limiting voltage output to a max of 7.2.

 

[koates]

If you have the original third brush generator with the round cut out on top then the only charging adjustment you have is the third brush inside the generator which only adjusts the current (amps) and not the voltage. Forget about the voltage on this type of generator. For normal daytime running (no lights on) you need only about 5 amps charge showing on the ammeter. If you drive short distances or time at night the battery will handle the discharge shown on the ammeter for a while, about an hour or so. You can adjust the third brush up to about 14 amps but that will overcharge the battery if driving during the daytime for long, but will cover standard bulb headlights at night. If you have an original 1932 drivers handbook it will explain the charging system. New reprints are available. Any cutout is just an automatic switch and does no regulating at all. Regards, Kevin.

 

[TerryOH]

Careful adjusting the third brush. It is not supposed to go all the way either higher or lower leave a commutator segment or two.

 

[Brian]

i set the cover band sufficiently tight that I can slip it off of the rear of the generator case, but tight enough that it will stay in place. the reason you have an ammeter in the dash is so that you can set the charging rate to suit driving conditions. Moving the third brush down increases the charge rate. So, for daytime driving, slip the cover band back to access the third brush, move the brush UP and observe the ammeter with a few engine revs on. Set the brush so the ammeter indicates around 4-5 amps, slip the cover back into place and you're set. Nighttime driving, on account of the additional draw of the lights on the battery, requires a higher charge rate. Again, slip the cover band back, move the brush DOWN, observe the ammeter with lights on and a few engine revs, again settling on an indicated 4-5 amps. Slip the cover back into place and drive on. Next morning don't forget to reposition that third brush for daytime driving. After you've done this procedure a few times, it'll become second nature, you'll know exactly how far to move the brush each time. Part of the wonderful experience of driving an old Ford. Really, it is super easy, enjoy!

 

[30Tudor]

Hi Folks - the Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) I sell regulates the current to the field coils to control the power output of the generator. A standard Model A generator will generally output over 9V until the load matches the third brush setting. The EVR allows for a maximum generator output voltage of 7.1 volts which is the maximum charge voltage for a 6V battery. Charging a 6V battery with a voltage over 7.1V will cause the electrolyte to boil off and may damage the battery as a result. As a secondary benefit, the EVR continues to regulate the power to the field coils in the event the generator is disconnected from the battery. Disconnecting a generator from the battery causes a runaway effect resulting in high currents in the field coils and commutator arcing ultimately creating high temperatures which destroy the generator wiring.

The EVR fits within the generator case as shown in Steve's post above and in the picture below.

I have attached a copy of the installation instructions. Please contact me at hill.mf@gmail.com if you want additional information.