Is this generator charging?

[Doctor's Ford]

Now that I finally have my model B engine running well I have hooked the generator for the first time after it was rebuilt 4 years ago. I have a 6 volt positive ground system with a standard reproduction cutout.

I did a two step testing trying to determine if it is working correctly: Initially I started the engine and noticed that the ammeter gauge did not move in any direction. It stayed on zero. So I turned the engine off and polarized the generator by touching the 2 cutout terminals as recommended. Then I started the engine and checked the ammeter again. At that time my gauge moved downward about 5 amps or so and my voltmeter connected to the battery read between 7.2 and 7.8 volts. Is this generator charging? The battery voltage seems to indicate it is charging well. What should I see on the ammeter gauge if it is charging correctly? Suggestions please

Thanks for your input! Manuel

[Mitch//pa]

Your charging. Maybe the ammeter is wired backwards

[Bob C]

If it shows charge with the engine off and the lights on then as Mitch said
the ammeter is wired backwards.

Bob

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by Bob C

If it shows charge with the engine off and the lights on then as Mitch said
the ammeter is wired backwards.

Bob

I tried that too. With engine running and lights on it shows discharge. With engine off it shows discharge as well. That seems the normal response.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Engine OFF lights ON, the ammeter shows discharge, right?

Polarized generator, engine fast idle with lights OFF, and still no charge, then the cutout, wiring, or generator is bad. Remove the fan belt and see if the generator turns in the normal direction when it's polarized.

[Doctor's Ford]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Engine OFF lights ON, the ammeter shows discharge, right?

Polarized generator, engine fast idle with lights OFF, and still no charge, then the cutout, wiring, or generator is bad. Remove the fan belt and see if the generator turns in the normal direction when it's polarized.

Tom, I will remove the fan and polarize it again as you suggest, but which is the "normal direction" for the generator turn? Sorry for the question but this is the first time I work on a generator.

The wiring is correct, I am sure. The cutout is a reproduction but never used until now. The generator was rebuilt 4 years ago and stored. Can't tell if it was done right. In other words, both cutout and generator could be the problem.

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by Bob C

If it shows charge with the engine off and the lights on then as Mitch said
the ammeter is wired backwards.

Bob

No, no. With engine OFF and lights ON it shows discharge also. Under no circumstances the ammeter shows charge. But my volt meter reveals 7.2 to 7.8 volts on the battery when engine running. Isn't that a sign of charging?

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Doctor's Ford

No, no. With engine OFF and lights ON it shows discharge also. Under no circumstances the ammeter shows charge. But my volt meter reveals 7.2 to 7.8 volts on the battery when engine running. Isn't that a sign of charging?

This is one of many issues with ampmeters. Some time ago, we read about someone trying to develop an ampmeter that would work well. Was it Brattons? Snyders?

Any one know what progress, if any, has been made?

Larry

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Doctor's Ford

No, no. With engine OFF and lights ON it shows discharge also. Under no circumstances the ammeter shows charge. But my volt meter reveals 7.2 to 7.8 volts on the battery when engine running. Isn't that a sign of charging?

OK, that shows your generator is charging.
When you look at the generator from the front, clockwise is the normal rotation, and that's what it should turn when polarized with the belt off.