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Old 03-15-2021, 03:40 PM   #1
Kajtek1
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Default Generator testing?

Looks like I might be 1st one on this forum-trying to test generator , as search show no hits.
So my generator is not delivering voltage.
I tested both sides of regulator and it is 0 volts.
Regulator seems to be new as I found another one in the box, still in clean package.
I pulled the generator out (love 2 minutes removal time) and took it apart.
It looks like in pretty good condition, only loot of grease and ATV junk inside.
I cleaned it and tested all coils to have some continuity.
Brushes are good
Put it back and still no voltage.
What am I missing?
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Old 03-15-2021, 03:42 PM   #2
stevests
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Default Re: Generator testing?

You'll get way more information on T's at the MTFCA Forum - your 3rd brush insulator is most likely shorted out.
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Old 03-15-2021, 08:46 PM   #3
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Default Re: Generator testing?

Not knowing how things are hooked up in your car because of what may have been done in the past. Generally a stock car wired as original would have line voltage at the wire from the amp meter to cutout at all times.



https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19657


There is a bit more to the Model T generator then just taking it apart and cleaning and even taking it to a shop may not get you up and running right unless they do Model T generators.

While Model T, A and early V8's are three brush types, the T is setup differently.

As stevests said the brush could be shorted, not wired correct inside or could have a bad armature. You might start by taking it apart again and getting the armature check at a good auto parts store.
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Old 03-16-2021, 11:24 AM   #4
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Default Re: Generator testing?

I double check and no battery voltage on generator wire.
I check the electrical board for bad connection and it is good there.
All the wires show the same color, what makes troubleshooting a bit harder, but I will do more testing and probably run new wire to generator.
Can't find diagram for the electric connections on firewall, but only 2 of them are hot all the time.
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Old 03-16-2021, 11:46 AM   #5
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Default Re: Generator testing?

Found diagram on other forum.
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Old 03-16-2021, 04:36 PM   #6
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Default Re: Generator testing?

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SUCCESS.
Found bad connection on Terminal 1.
"somebody was here before" as horn was wired directly to battery at #3, so corrected that as well.
Generator still required "flashing" what I found on other forum.
When not used for long time, generator looses the magnetism and you need to jump it by putting small wire between Voltage Regulator prongs for short moment when engine is turning. I had light tester for the job and that is all it took.
Now ammeter shows charging with lights off and gets close to 0 with lights on.

Last edited by Kajtek1; 03-16-2021 at 05:01 PM.
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Old 03-18-2021, 03:17 PM   #7
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Default Re: Generator testing?

Drove the car for over 10 miles today and everything seems to work. The generator output is 7.5V, what is on high side, but maybe that is how they did it 100 years ago?
I am still trying to find optimal carburetor adjustment. When I adjust it to perfect idle, it will hesitate, or misfire when going to max speed on 1st gear.
Seem to work ok on 2nd gear, when with some speed I managed to take 11% grade without downshifting.
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Old 03-18-2021, 07:28 PM   #8
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Default Re: Generator testing?

7.5 amps is O.K. - back in the day, it was normal to be set at 10-12 amps !

Mixture sounds as though you're a bit on the lean side - open C.C.W. a smidge then check it again - after engine is at operating temperature, you should be able to give the throttle a quick jab without any sputter.
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Old 03-18-2021, 09:45 PM   #9
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Default Re: Generator testing?

There is no voltage regulator.
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Old 03-19-2021, 10:39 AM   #10
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Default Re: Generator testing?

There could be IF the cut-out was replaced.
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