The Ford Barn

A TRUCK · 10-12-2013, 01:53 AM

Hi Guys

I'm trying to find out whether my 6V generator is negative or positive ground. How can you tell the difference?

Is there a wiring diagram available for a 6V negative ground Model A.

Thank you

Tom Wesenberg · 10-12-2013, 05:32 AM

Model A generators were connected to a positive ground battery. They can run either way, but I'd run it the way they were originally connected.

If you use a diode cutout, or an electronic voltage regulator then you can't reverse the polarity.

Purdy Swoft · 10-12-2013, 10:08 AM

As Tom says, the model A generator can be run either way but its best to leave it positive ground. If you want to change to negative ground, you first hook up the battery negative ground. You will also need to reverse the wires at the ammeter. The wires that connect to the coil will also need to be reversed. The next move will be to repolarize the generator. With the engine running at a FAST idle, touch a wire from one post on the cutout to the other for a second and the generator will be repolarized. The reason that I say leave it positive is because after running positive ground all of its life, the generator will tend to revert back to positive ground and will have to be repolarized again.

Fun Projects makes a can style regulator that takes the place of the cut out. The Fun Projects regulator can be purchased in either positive or negative ground but don't try running a positive ground regulator on negative ground or you will damage the regulator. If you are running a stock cut out it doesn't care if you are running positive or negative ground and will work either way as is.

A TRUCK · 10-12-2013, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the info Tom!

A TRUCK · 10-12-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

As Tom says, the model A generator can be run either way but its best to leave it positive ground. If you want to change to positive ground, you first hook up the battery negative ground. You will also need to reverse the wires at the ammeter. The wires that connect to the coil will also need to be reversed. The next move will be to repolarize the generator. With the engine running at a FAST idle, touch a wire from one post on the cutout to the other for a second and the generator will be repolarized. The reason that I say leave it positive is because after running positive ground all of its life, the generator will tend to revert back to positive ground and will have to be repolarized.

Fun Projects makes a can style regulator that takes the place of the cut out. The Fun Projects regulator can be purchased in either positive or negative ground but don't try running a positive ground regulator on negative ground or you will damage the regulator. If you are running a stock cut out it doesn't care if you are running positive or negative ground and will work either way as is.

You're a champ! - Many thanks Purdy Swoft! Your reply and explanation to my question is great and very much appreciated!!!

Purdy Swoft · 10-12-2013, 10:20 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks, A TRUCK, for the kind words.

10-12-2013, 01:53 AM	#1
A TRUCK Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 38	positive or negative ground 6v generator Hi Guys I'm trying to find out whether my 6V generator is negative or positive ground. How can you tell the difference? Is there a wiring diagram available for a 6V negative ground Model A. Thank you

10-12-2013, 05:32 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: positive or negative ground 6v generator Model A generators were connected to a positive ground battery. They can run either way, but I'd run it the way they were originally connected. If you use a diode cutout, or an electronic voltage regulator then you can't reverse the polarity.

10-12-2013, 10:08 AM	#3
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: positive or negative ground 6v generator As Tom says, the model A generator can be run either way but its best to leave it positive ground. If you want to change to negative ground, you first hook up the battery negative ground. You will also need to reverse the wires at the ammeter. The wires that connect to the coil will also need to be reversed. The next move will be to repolarize the generator. With the engine running at a FAST idle, touch a wire from one post on the cutout to the other for a second and the generator will be repolarized. The reason that I say leave it positive is because after running positive ground all of its life, the generator will tend to revert back to positive ground and will have to be repolarized again. Fun Projects makes a can style regulator that takes the place of the cut out. The Fun Projects regulator can be purchased in either positive or negative ground but don't try running a positive ground regulator on negative ground or you will damage the regulator. If you are running a stock cut out it doesn't care if you are running positive or negative ground and will work either way as is. Last edited by Purdy Swoft; 10-12-2013 at 10:14 AM. Reason: added a word

10-12-2013, 10:09 AM	#4
A TRUCK Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 38	Re: positive or negative ground 6v generator Thanks for the info Tom!

10-12-2013, 10:20 AM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: positive or negative ground 6v generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks, A TRUCK, for the kind words.