The Ford Barn

MattDeAmicis · 06-16-2023, 09:00 AM

Having some voltage issues with my 46 Super Deluxe. 6 Volt positive ground, rebuilt generator, Stromberg E Fire Electronic Ignition, Pertronix Flamethrower 1.5 ohm coil, Optima Red Top 6V Starting battery. The car was stumbling on acceleration. Put a meter on the battery and only got 6.2 volts or so at idle and also at 1500-2000 rpm. Tested the generator by removing the field wire from the voltage regulator and attaching it to the armature terminal and got a high reading on the ammeter. Concluded that the voltage regulator was bad. Got a new Echlin regulator from Napa and eliminated the stumble. Car runs great now but when I put a meter on the battery at idle it is showing 9 volts steady. The ammeter reads about halfway between the center and CHG. Any suggestions how to fix this? I don’t want to damage my generator or electrical system. Thanks-Matt

1931 flamingo · 06-16-2023, 11:09 AM

The regulator should be adjustable. Find a local rebuilder and take gen and reg to them.
Paul in CT

Anteek29 · 06-16-2023, 01:24 PM

Yes, your regulator needs adjustment. Mine was set high when I first installed it, so I reset the battery relay's voltage to 7.2 volts. I have a 6 volt system.

cadillac512 · 06-16-2023, 01:31 PM

Here's a video of the adjustment procedure. You'll be bending the lower spring tab on the winding with the small wire. You need to bend it so the tension on the spring is less...go gently and slowly and have engine speed at 1500 rpm or so. Voltage at the battery terminal of the regulator or at the battery should be set at 7 volts plus or minus .2 volts.

By the way, generators do not charge at low idle, so don't worry about that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBHtXMTNUXA

Terry

cadillac512 · 06-16-2023, 01:34 PM

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06-16-2023, 09:00 AM	#1
MattDeAmicis Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: San Fernando Valley Posts: 5	1946 Super Deluxe Voltage Issue Overcharging Having some voltage issues with my 46 Super Deluxe. 6 Volt positive ground, rebuilt generator, Stromberg E Fire Electronic Ignition, Pertronix Flamethrower 1.5 ohm coil, Optima Red Top 6V Starting battery. The car was stumbling on acceleration. Put a meter on the battery and only got 6.2 volts or so at idle and also at 1500-2000 rpm. Tested the generator by removing the field wire from the voltage regulator and attaching it to the armature terminal and got a high reading on the ammeter. Concluded that the voltage regulator was bad. Got a new Echlin regulator from Napa and eliminated the stumble. Car runs great now but when I put a meter on the battery at idle it is showing 9 volts steady. The ammeter reads about halfway between the center and CHG. Any suggestions how to fix this? I don’t want to damage my generator or electrical system. Thanks-Matt

06-16-2023, 11:09 AM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: 1946 Super Deluxe Voltage Issue Overcharging The regulator should be adjustable. Find a local rebuilder and take gen and reg to them. Paul in CT

06-16-2023, 01:24 PM	#3
Anteek29 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 985	Re: 1946 Super Deluxe Voltage Issue Overcharging Yes, your regulator needs adjustment. Mine was set high when I first installed it, so I reset the battery relay's voltage to 7.2 volts. I have a 6 volt system. __________________ Alan 1929 Special Coupe 1941 Pick-Up 1955 Victoria

06-16-2023, 01:31 PM	#4
cadillac512 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Kansas Posts: 922	Re: 1946 Super Deluxe Voltage Issue Overcharging Here's a video of the adjustment procedure. You'll be bending the lower spring tab on the winding with the small wire. You need to bend it so the tension on the spring is less...go gently and slowly and have engine speed at 1500 rpm or so. Voltage at the battery terminal of the regulator or at the battery should be set at 7 volts plus or minus .2 volts. By the way, generators do not charge at low idle, so don't worry about that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBHtXMTNUXA Terry __________________ "It don't take but country smarts to solve the problem" (Smokey Yunick) '41 Merc Town Sedan / 260" 8CM engine '66 Fairlane four door / "warmed up" 302 Last edited by cadillac512; 06-16-2023 at 01:38 PM.

06-16-2023, 01:34 PM	#5
cadillac512 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Kansas Posts: 922	Re: 1946 Super Deluxe Voltage Issue Overcharging Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) .... __________________ "It don't take but country smarts to solve the problem" (Smokey Yunick) '41 Merc Town Sedan / 260" 8CM engine '66 Fairlane four door / "warmed up" 302 Last edited by cadillac512; 06-16-2023 at 01:36 PM. Reason: duplicate post.