1941 6v generator only charge's 6.1 volt

[Piet]

Hello,

My generator only charges 6.1 volts. I want it to charge a little more so that the battery is actually charged properly. Can this be adjusted?

Thank you!!

20250108_095212.jpg

[ndnchf]

2 brush generators are not adjustable. Output is controlled by the voltage regulator. Are you certain the generator is actually charging? 6.1v sounds like you are reading battery voltage. These generators are very reliable, but many of the voltage regulators on the market today are poor quality. But do a google search on how to adjust a 6 volt voltage regulator.

Steve

[fortyonerag]

My 41 has a four brush generator. Charging output is adjusted at the regulator mounted on the firewall on the drivers side. I'm well versed in electricity, but I find mechanical regulators fiddly (others will differ) and prefer to let auto elecs adjust them.

[Terry,OH]

Suggest taking the generator and regulator to a rebuilding shop. if the generator checks out the regulator may just need a adjustment. The proper rate is 7.2 to 7.5V but you can lower it to 7.0V Make sure your readings are correct before disassembly and the generator and regulator are grounded properly.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Terry,OH

Suggest taking the generator and regulator to a rebuilding shop. if the generator checks out the regulator may just need a adjustment. The proper rate is 7.2 to 7.5V but you can lower it to 7.0V Make sure your readings are correct before disassembly and the generator and regulator are grounded properly.

THE BEST generator shop/re-builder has already spoken here, NDNCHF is as good as it gets!!!!! I wouldn't send mine to anyone else.

[koates]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

First thing to do is test the generator for an output. No point messing with the voltage regulator if the generator is not working. To test the generator do this. Remove the field wire from its voltage regulator terminal and connect that field wire over onto the armature terminal of the reg. Start the engine and rev up a bit and the dash ammeter will show a high charge if the generator is ok. This test bypasses the voltage and current controls in the regulator but does not by pass the cutout. Do this test and report the results. Regards, Kevin.

[kingeak]

A friend (thanks Ken) forwarded this thread to me today and it came in very handy.

Performed the test in post 6 above & determined my 12V generator is not working.

No deflection noticed on the gauge even after revving up the engine several times.

[fortyonerag]

Use a multimeter to confirm. These old gauges can sometimes be faulty - like the time my generator died and the gauge still showed all healthy.

[kingeak]

I’ll be taking both my generator and voltage regulator to a local expert. If either (or both) need replacement and/or rebuilding, he’ll do it.

I’ll also be assured the polarity is correct as they will be paired up together prior to reinstalling.

For me, it’s more about piece of mind and reliability going forward as I’m really enjoying driving these cars around.

[kingeak]

Update on my situation…

Installed new Voltage Regulator & performed polarity test (touched Field wire to Bat terminal and saw sparks)

Went for a drive & noticed very little (+) movement on ammeter gauge,

Used digital voltmeter & observed the following readings:
Battery readings at terminals (car not running) - 12.79 V
Battery readings at terminals (car running) - 12.49 V
Does this indicate my generator is NOT charging?

Note - car converted to 12V some time ago.