Charging Problem w/Generator

[Bob Malone #35242]

Well, thanks to a lot of help from the good people on this board, I've finally got the 60 running. But, I have a problem. I'm not charging. I'm aware of the wiring diagram error and have the ammeter wired in correctly. It reads a slight discharge with the engine running. It doesn't vary with engine speed. When I turn the lights on it indicates a greater discharge. I disconnected the field wire at the voltage regulator and grounded it. No change. If I'm reading the service book correctly, this should eliminate the voltage regulator as the problem.
I tried to get a reading with my voltmeter at the generator with the engine idling and got zero output at both terminals. I don't know if this is a valid test or not. How do I check the generator?

[John H.]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Bob -

Have you "polarized" the generator to restore its "memory" about what it's supposed to be doing? Just bend a short piece of insulated heavy wire into a "U" shape (with the ends stripped), and momentarily touch it to both the "Bat" and "Gen" terminals on the voltage regulator; you'll get a sizable spark so you'll know you've done it. Then the generator should charge, assuming both the generator and regulator are properly grounded.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Yes John, I forgot to mention that I had polarized the voltage regulator. In fact, I re-did it today just to be certain that I got it right.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Bob, in order to test the generator output, ground the field terminal. You should be able to read between 13-15 VDC between the armature terminal and ground.(engine running at fast idle) If not, the generator is bad. You can disassemble and check the brushes and commutator. If necessary, an auto electric shop will repair for around $70 (in this area). If the generator tests good, the voltage regulator is likely bad.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Thanks Ed. That's what I was looking for. I'll check it out this evening.

[Art B.]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Bob:
If the brushes need replacing, it is not a difficult task. I replaced the brushes on both my '57 and '61 with good results. I believe the shop manuals give good instructions.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: Charging Problem w/Generator

Thanks all. I found the problem. With the generator being shuffled around for the past year and a half, somehow one of the brushes jumped out of its slot. I bench tested it afterwards and it worked fine again. I'm about to put it on the car now for the final test but I'm confident that was the problem. (Yeah, I know I have to re-polarize the voltage regulator).
Thanks again.