The Ford Barn

bobsmanstuff · 04-30-2026, 11:11 AM

On my 53 Ford Customline it wasn't charging. I switched the solenoid and it's still not charging . I have a spare generator that is set up for positive ground but mine is negative ground. What do I do to the generator to change it? Any help is appreciated.

hueyhoolihan · 04-30-2026, 03:23 PM

typically a "polarization procedure" needs to be performed if either the generator, or voltage regulator or the ground has been switched from one polarity to another. and possibly any other device in the charging circuitry.

i'd recommend googling "polarizing a generator", and start from there. although i'm sure there are those on this forum that know how to go about it.

JayChicago · 04-30-2026, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsmanstuff

On my 53 Ford Customline it wasn't charging. I switched the solenoid and it's still not charging . I have a spare generator that is set up for positive ground but mine is negative ground. What do I do to the generator to change it? Any help is appreciated.

Several things in the above are confusing, leave me wondering.

We all need to know our limits of ability. I suggest you find a mechanic, or an experienced friend, to help you with this.

alchemy · 05-01-2026, 06:58 AM

The starter solenoid has nothing to do with charging, only used when starting the car. Are you sure you’re talking about the right part?

hueyhoolihan · 05-01-2026, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alchemy

The starter solenoid has nothing to do with charging, only used when starting the car. Are you sure you’re talking about the right part?

i too was curious as to the "solenoid" reference, so i did a little investigating when i first read this thread the other day, and to my surprise some vintage voltage regulators DO contain solenoids...although i have to admit i was not aware of that fact (assuming it is a fact...and you never know for sure anymore) and have always associated the word with starting and the starter motor.

JayChicago · 05-01-2026, 09:58 AM

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A solenoid is a coil of wire that acts as a magnet when carrying electric current. Many applications. Your wash machine and dishwasher use solenoid water valves. And yes, there are small solenoids in voltage regulators.

But in our world, only the solenoid starter switch is called "the solenoid".

04-30-2026, 11:11 AM	#1
bobsmanstuff Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Mora Minn Posts: 215	battery drain On my 53 Ford Customline it wasn't charging. I switched the solenoid and it's still not charging . I have a spare generator that is set up for positive ground but mine is negative ground. What do I do to the generator to change it? Any help is appreciated.

04-30-2026, 03:23 PM	#2
hueyhoolihan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2024 Location: central coast california Posts: 600	Re: battery drain typically a "polarization procedure" needs to be performed if either the generator, or voltage regulator or the ground has been switched from one polarity to another. and possibly any other device in the charging circuitry. i'd recommend googling "polarizing a generator", and start from there. although i'm sure there are those on this forum that know how to go about it.

05-01-2026, 06:58 AM	#4
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 1,001	Re: battery drain The starter solenoid has nothing to do with charging, only used when starting the car. Are you sure you’re talking about the right part?

05-01-2026, 09:58 AM	#6
JayChicago Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,029	Re: battery drain Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) A solenoid is a coil of wire that acts as a magnet when carrying electric current. Many applications. Your wash machine and dishwasher use solenoid water valves. And yes, there are small solenoids in voltage regulators. But in our world, only the solenoid starter switch is called "the solenoid".