Polarize Generator

[criswellnk]

Originally Posted by MikeK

If you have a diode instead of the cutout, jumping across it will do no damage. What you do not want to ever do with a diode is ground the output while the generator is running. That will overload it. The "Fun Projects" regulators, which require use of the 3rd brush and must be set to limit output to 15 amps, have a design that lacks spike protection and may suffer damage. If you have one of those, remove it, and then touch the generator output to a jumper from the cable connection on the starter switch.

I had bought one of the Fun Projects EVR's for my model T and installed it on the car and followed the instructions for installation and setting the third brush as per the instruction sheet. When I turned off the headlights (following the instructions) the amps went up, and then all of a sudden nothing. The regulator was "damaged", which Fun Projects would be happy to fix for $20. I had the regulator "fixed" but I also bought a new diode-style 20 amp continous duty cut-out from one of the parts vendors. I installed that instead of the EVR from Fun Projects, no problems or damage to any component of the electrical system, as was predicted by those that had "fixed" the first EVR, and that was almost 10,000 mile ago.

When I had asked the folks (at Fun Projects) about one of the Fun Projects EVR's for my powerhouse generator (this was before I had gotten the EVR for the model T), I was told that it might not work well on the powerhouse generator. I was told that it (the powerhouse) may produce too much power for the EVR, and lead to damage. Either way I have stuck with the original style cut-out on the powerhouse but would one day like to upgrade/try the voltage regulator that Tom makes.