03-29-2020, 10:44 PM | #1 |
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Gen charging Q
I'll try to picture the device that's on top of my generator.
If it shows, I'd like to know if anyone has seen such and how is it adjusted ? My amp gauage shows negative, until I rev to an unpleasant rpm, then it will show charge. In your opinion, does this 'regulator' thingy need changed out or what to get the generator charge to more output ?? The gen has a THIRD brush. I've moved it 2 to 3" back/forth slowly..no change ? no pic.....? THANKS FOR INPUT... Ok guys, some egg head showed me what I was doing to upset machine and no pic.... I do not think that I infformed you correctly, in that this is now a 12V system from original..if that makes you change your advice. From pic, do you recognize silver device / cutout ? Maybe junk needs changed ?? Last edited by hardtimes; 03-30-2020 at 11:52 PM. Reason: .......... |
03-30-2020, 12:07 AM | #2 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
The third brush only sets the output...the cutout on top is what needs adjusting/replacing in this case.
You can convert it to using a diode instead of the relay thatīs in there now and there will be no need for maintenance in the future. |
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03-30-2020, 12:47 AM | #3 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
The link below to Fun Projects is the diode that flatheadmurre advised.
www.funprojects.com Electronic Voltage Regulator contained within a Ford Script Cutout
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03-30-2020, 02:00 AM | #4 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
be sure to check that the belt tension is correct and that the belt is not slipping, if it is this could be the problem
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03-30-2020, 02:02 AM | #5 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
If you have a "knub" cyclinder on the top of your gen. It's a cutout (as murre said) not a regulator. Off/on.
https://www.amazon.com/AQP-Tractor-G.../dp/B0714F7K44 https://www.completetractor.com/new-...9n-b0nn10505a/ ford38v8 link is good too. A diode is used to limit current flow in one direction. Main functions. The most common function of a diode is to allow an electric current to pass in one direction (called the diode's forward direction), while blocking it in the opposite direction (the reverse direction). As such, the diode can be viewed as an electronic version of a check valve. . Last edited by Tinker; 03-30-2020 at 02:27 AM. |
03-30-2020, 09:41 AM | #6 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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from your description I think if normal/diode cutout that is working and you has a generator problem, you could take the "cutout" off, connect direct to generator, start car, check if charging---shut off, take wire back off generator another test you can do that will give some idea of generator function is to take the belt off, then connect the wire direct to generator post, the generator should run as a motor running a 3 brush generator not connected to a battery WILL cause overvoltage at the generator(and anything still connected to it, and cause it to burn up, it will make over 40 volts take the cover band off and look at the inside across from where the wires are soldered to the commutator for silver blobs (solder melted off the commutator---thrown solder), if you have a volt meter check the voltage at both sides of the cutout---stopped, at idle,and at higher engine speeds---should have no voltage at generator post not running, at idle there should be some voltage at generator post depending on idle speed (3-6V), the voltage should come up with engine speed to match the voltage at the other side of a normal cutout, with a diode cutout it should show a 0.5 volt difference, higher at generator post |
03-30-2020, 12:39 PM | #7 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
The old original type cut out switch has the can spot welded to the base in a couple of spots that can be seen if you pull it off the generator and turn it upside down. A person can carefully grind away the spot welds and take the cover off to see what's in there. Sometimes they just need the points cleaned.
The cut out switch senses a current/voltage generated after the engine is fired up. The generator pole shoes are magnetized by polarization procedure and the residual magnetism is enough to generate enough current to close that cut out switch and bring the generator on line. The battery is what sets the system voltage in a 3-brush generator system so it's very important to have good connections and correct polarity with the battery prior to starting the engine. The modern replacements are just a relatively high amperage rated diode that only lets current go one way so the generator won't motor when you shut the engine down. The Fun Projects unit that folks talk about has a diode but it also has a current controller so that the unit will only put out current when it's needed for battery recharge or operation of the headlamps. The charge rate will drop down to little or nothing when the battery is completely recharged during running with no lights on. A normal three brush generator set up generates at a current rate that the brush is adjusted to all the time whether it needs it or not. The Fun Projects unit allows it to take a rest break when fully charged. It's a very simple form of regulator but they can easily be damaged by trying to jump start or connecting them the wrong way. Last edited by rotorwrench; 03-30-2020 at 12:45 PM. |
03-30-2020, 02:14 PM | #8 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
The cut-out is an on/off switch to charge the generator. That's all. The rate of charge is adjusted in the generator itself. To increase the rate, gently tap the third brush DOWN. To decrease the rate, gently tap it up. (Up is down, down is up)
What I do is turn on the lights in the vehicle and observe the amp meter: 1) I start the car and then turn all the lights on. 2) Car should be at a high idle. 3) Observe Amp Meter. Meter should read at ZERO. If not, turn off the car, remove the metal band on the generator and make any correction by gently taping the third brush up or down to send the correct voltage of ZERO to the car. 4) Observe the Amp Meter. Verify at ZERO. 5) Turn off the lights and observe the charge rate with car running at high idle. It should read around 7-9 Volts with lights off. 6) Replace band and Happy Motoring. |
03-30-2020, 11:58 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
Quote:
I just added pic , maybe viewing the 'CUTOUT' will make opinion change ? Now I'll give your third brush change method a whirl. When I changed 3rd brush , I had engine running and a bud watching as I changed...with no results. I'm pretty much all thumbs with auto elect.... |
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03-31-2020, 12:23 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 |
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03-31-2020, 12:25 AM | #11 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
Thatīs an after market diode you got on there.
Run the engine at some rpm put a jumper cable between the 2 posts on the diode if you get charge reading diode is bad. Otherwise you probably have a field or armature issue...the 3 brush canīt put out much current when people set them to high they fry. |
03-31-2020, 12:31 AM | #12 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
I'm not familiar with the cutout you have. You now say that yours is a 12 volt system. ("I do not think that I informed you correctly, in that this is now a 12V system from original..if that makes you change your advice.") I don't think your 3 brush generator is compatible with a 12 volt system/battery....
8040-6159 *NEW* Universal Generator Cut Out 6V, 12V, 24V | Smith Co Electric Brand New High Quality Universal Solid State Replacement Generator Cut Out - No Adjustments This is the more common type of cutout
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 Last edited by petehoovie; 03-31-2020 at 01:40 AM. |
03-31-2020, 12:35 AM | #13 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
Solid state electronics can be great or problematic. A old cutout rarely goes bad. My opinion. Cheap also.
Circuit boards preform best at 70 degrees. ford38v8 link is proven and been around for a while. I haven't heard any bad reviews anyway. Last edited by Tinker; 03-31-2020 at 12:40 AM. |
03-31-2020, 12:56 AM | #14 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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If you can live with the looks of that diode they work fine if not shorted or abused. Or you can convert your original cutout by installing a $5 diode in it. |
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03-31-2020, 01:00 AM | #15 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
A starter solenoid is basically a relay. (magnet coil) Rarely goes bad. Or I'm wrong. asking.
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03-31-2020, 01:45 AM | #16 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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But itīs only once for every drive you use the solenoid to start your engine. Every time you go down below charging rev the cutout will open and when you step on it again they close...so they see a lot more cycles... Anything mechanical will need maintenance...a relay has a specification on how many cycles it is designed to do without issues. |
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03-31-2020, 01:48 AM | #17 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
Thanks Murre. I appreciate it!
I'm guessing nobody is making replacement parts. Thanks again guys. Last edited by Tinker; 03-31-2020 at 03:27 AM. |
03-31-2020, 06:31 AM | #18 |
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Re: Gen charging Q
Your diode type cut out has to be connected properly to work. Is your battery connected + to ground, if so turn the diode around and reconnect. Right now you have it connected battery - to ground.
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03-31-2020, 08:47 AM | #19 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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Good someone has sharp eyes ! I canīt tell from the pics even with my reading glasses... |
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03-31-2020, 09:28 AM | #20 | |
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Re: Gen charging Q
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Lots of great info here and Yes I see his car is converted to 12v. For those of us that are still 6v ,the only problem is the 6V pos ground have been on backorder every time I have checked over the last couple years |
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