The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Generator output voltage 7.3v drops to 6.6V at battery this normal or not

Ford Runner · 10-02-2019, 12:04 PM

Have 49 Ford with original 8BA engine, generator, starter etc. Car is pretty much all original. Generator was just cleaned, new bearing and carbon brushes installed. Problem, voltage with engine running at driving speed I get a voltage reading at battery posts of 6.64 to 6.67 volts. Measured generator output with volt meter to the armature and ground and get a consistent 7.34 volts.
the battery is a NAPA 6 volt CCA at 32degs of 1200,
the regulator is a FILKO VRF-312HD looks like new inside.

battery load test checks out good.

after starting car several times and running the engine at various speeds, the voltage at battery terminals is only at 6.64 to 6.67 volts.

Question: why the low voltage at battery, is problem such as wire gauge size for generator connection to regulator and battery connection to regulator or where else do I look at? Or is this a normal voltage at battery terminal after starting engine and battery has plenty of amps left in it?

10-02-2019, 12:04 PM	#1
Ford Runner Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 8	Generator output voltage 7.3v drops to 6.6V at battery this normal or not Have 49 Ford with original 8BA engine, generator, starter etc. Car is pretty much all original. Generator was just cleaned, new bearing and carbon brushes installed. Problem, voltage with engine running at driving speed I get a voltage reading at battery posts of 6.64 to 6.67 volts. Measured generator output with volt meter to the armature and ground and get a consistent 7.34 volts. the battery is a NAPA 6 volt CCA at 32degs of 1200, the regulator is a FILKO VRF-312HD looks like new inside. battery load test checks out good. after starting car several times and running the engine at various speeds, the voltage at battery terminals is only at 6.64 to 6.67 volts. Question: why the low voltage at battery, is problem such as wire gauge size for generator connection to regulator and battery connection to regulator or where else do I look at? Or is this a normal voltage at battery terminal after starting engine and battery has plenty of amps left in it?