Generator Diagnosis Needed

[smurph]

I have a '35 Cabriolet converted to 12 Volt with a voltage regulator. Have not been getting a positive ammeter reading while running. Started up today and after a short ride and short rest tried to start again and battery was dead.

I think the generator is not producing any output and so running lights have worn down battery over time .

Does anyone know a test I can do to determine whether the generator is outputting or not?

Thanks in advance for your help. I am out to sea when it comes to electrics!!!
Smurph

[ford3]

I get yelled at every time I say this but, start car remove positive cable, if engine keeps running generator is working, regulator is bad, if engine dies generator is bad, it only takes a second to find out, and you only need to do it once

[Mike B]

Only issue with disconnecting the battery cable, it doesn't tell you if it the generator or the regulator (no yelling..lol)

[B-O-B]

Reread ford3s 'post again. I think he covers that.

[George/Maine]

I use a voltmeter.

[Ford Freak]

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I had same problem with my 52 F1 . The generator AND the voltage regulator were bad !

[ford3]

that can happen, but all he wanted to know is if the gen was bad, if it is the engine will die , if its good the engine will run even if the reg is bad

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by B-O-B

Reread ford3s 'post again. I think he covers that.

I gotcha now.

Generator is stil connected to the regulator.

I'm not old, just slow

[34s4ever]

Did you polarize the regulator?won't charge correctly or at all without it.

[B-O-B]

Mike B better slow than not at all . Keep on keepin on.
Better to be slo than halfast. heh heh he