05-13-2024, 06:54 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 9
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charging
I installed rebuilt generator and new amp meter in my 29 A. Set third brush in generator 1/3 down. When checking if charging at the battery, the number's on my multimeter goes crazy, just flickers. Also, amp meter needle doesn't move. Thanks for help.
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05-13-2024, 08:24 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 800
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Re: charging
You must use an analog meter. What kind of cutout are you using? Did you install it backwards? Post some good clear photos of your generator so we can see.
Steve |
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05-14-2024, 03:59 AM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 75
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Re: charging
Your car may also not charge at idle if your brush is only 1/3 down.Try going to a fast idle or just rev the engine slowly to see how much charge you are putting out at different RPM. The charge rate will cap out at a certain RPM, and for me that's somewhere around 2000. You want no more than 5 amps for short daytime drives, and around 2 amps if you drive for long distances.
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05-14-2024, 04:28 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,564
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Re: charging
IMO, those digital meters are about as useful as fly screen on a submarine. Throw them in the trash.
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05-14-2024, 08:08 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Guthrie, OK
Posts: 1,155
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Re: charging
Check for good ground connection between generator and battery.
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05-14-2024, 09:34 AM | #6 |
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Location: Pennsylvania
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Re: charging
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05-14-2024, 09:51 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 800
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Re: charging
If it was properly rebuilt, the brushes should have been sanded in to fit the commutator. I do this on every generator I rebuild.
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05-14-2024, 10:40 AM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,515
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Re: charging
I have digital and analog meters and use both. My Fluke digital was purchased to adjust voltage output on aircraft 24-volt systems so they would charge at 28-volts. The fluke was the most accurate one I could get 30 years ago and it works fine on alternator and starter generator systems. If his meter is fluctuating then there is likely something wrong.
I would polarize the field pole shoes, Insure that the cut out works, and try it again. A test of the amp meter can be done by hand cranking the engine till your sure the points are closed. If the coil is wired to the load side then switching the ignition on with points closed will show a discharge of at least 3-amps. Also insure the battery connections are good and tight. |
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