The Ford Barn

Amigo 1 · 08-05-2025, 11:07 AM

To all early V8 electronic experts and knowledgeable informants:
My 49 was not indicating a positive charge except at high rpm. I had the generator tested and it proved satisfactory, so the voltage regulator was replaced. When the battery ground lead was attached it created an exceptionally large spark and serious ammeter discharge. Neither the starter switch nor headlights now work. The starter switch and wire to solenoid test ok. The old voltage regulator and new battery were installed without change. When the solenoid is jumpered from the battery contact to the starter switch post the engine turns over. The parking lights, horn, taillights, instrument lights and radio do work but not the headlights or starter switch. The fuse on the right of the circuit breaker which appears to go to the foot dimmer switch and dome light (which I don’t have) was blown and replaced. I have continuity and voltage to the circuit breaker and both fuses under the dashboard. I have tried to trace the circuits on the wiring schematic without much luck and am at a complete dead end. I’m pretty sure the new voltage regulator is defective and caused a massive short as I installed and polarized it according to the instructions, but the damage was already done. I’ve shorted the circuit somewhere but for the life of me I can’t ascertain where it is. Any advice or suggestions about the source of these problems and how to address them would be greatly appreciated.

08-05-2025, 11:07 AM	#1
Amigo 1 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 18	1949 Electrical Problems To all early V8 electronic experts and knowledgeable informants: My 49 was not indicating a positive charge except at high rpm. I had the generator tested and it proved satisfactory, so the voltage regulator was replaced. When the battery ground lead was attached it created an exceptionally large spark and serious ammeter discharge. Neither the starter switch nor headlights now work. The starter switch and wire to solenoid test ok. The old voltage regulator and new battery were installed without change. When the solenoid is jumpered from the battery contact to the starter switch post the engine turns over. The parking lights, horn, taillights, instrument lights and radio do work but not the headlights or starter switch. The fuse on the right of the circuit breaker which appears to go to the foot dimmer switch and dome light (which I don’t have) was blown and replaced. I have continuity and voltage to the circuit breaker and both fuses under the dashboard. I have tried to trace the circuits on the wiring schematic without much luck and am at a complete dead end. I’m pretty sure the new voltage regulator is defective and caused a massive short as I installed and polarized it according to the instructions, but the damage was already done. I’ve shorted the circuit somewhere but for the life of me I can’t ascertain where it is. Any advice or suggestions about the source of these problems and how to address them would be greatly appreciated.