Generator / charging problem?

[Michael L.]

I have had to charge my new battery twice in the last month. Took the car out for a night drive and noticed the headlights get brighter as I speed up. I was used to that with a '54 Chevy with a 6 volt system, is this common with a 12 volt generator also?

I have a new voltage regulator, I polarized the generator after I installed new bearing and brushes. The generator "checked out" on a bench test with an electric shop... What should I look for? The ammeter show I'm charging,m but the battery runs down pretty quick. Had the starter checked as well and it was supposedly good.

[Roy B.]

Re: Generator / charging problem?

I have had to charge my new battery twice in the last month. Took the car out for a night drive and noticed the headlights get brighter as I speed up. I was used to that with a '54 Chevy with a 6 volt system, is this common with a 12 volt generator also?

I have a new voltage regulator, I polarized the generator after I installed new bearing and brushes. The generator "checked out" on a bench test with an electric shop... What should I look for? The ammeter show I'm charging,m but the battery runs down pretty quick. Had the starter checked as well and it was supposedly good.

If your lights are dimming check the grounding ALL grounds plus the starter solenoid inside contacts. Your working on making the vett pretty using paint where grounding wires make contact with the engine and frame. Clean them .

[Jack H.]

Re: Generator / charging problem?

The output power of a generator varies with engine RPM. At typical idle speed, there's VERY little output power and the increase in output with engine RPM follows what's called a 'cut through' curve that I've posted before.

Some generators were specifically designed for better low RPM cut through characteristics to suit the vehicle's application with taxi cab and police cars tending to be equipped with such.

You don't want to be off on a Don Quiote mission trying to 'fix' a problem that isn't a problem!

[Anthony S.]

Re: Generator / charging problem?

I agree with 55Copper. BUt you could have a short somewhere, could be a bulb out or always on. Also, Check if the generator/alternator gets warm after a time of standing, could be a short there? Regards Tony

[Roy B.]

Re: Generator / charging problem?

Remember the battery charging must pass back throught the key and starter solenoid and if it has a bad ground