Generator Cut Out problem

[JJOHN]

Just noticed that the rear screw on the Generator Cut Out was red hot-what may be causing this. I had only been running it a short time. It is a 1935 with 21 stud engine.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Not sure what to say on that one. One thing I would suggest is after it cools down, unfasten the connection and make sure terminals, terminal posts and fastener are bright and clean to avoid high resistance connection. Also make sure the ring terminal for that connection is fastened securely to the wire and is not a high resistance connection. What type of cut out are you using? Stock, diode conversion or electronic version (made by Fun Products)?

[JJOHN]

Stock-did find it to be loose, but the fiber insulator was damaged and fell apart

[Kurt in NJ]

You have to think about the path the electric follows ---wire, terminal, side of terminal to lock washer, lock washer to head of bolt, threads of bolt to threads of cutout termial ---any rusty, corroded surfaces will cause resistance, that causes heat, the heat burns the isulator making the connection worse---

[Terry,OH]

It is possible the insulator failed and the generator kept pumping current through a near short circuit, heating the connection point and doing further damage to the insulator. Inspect the generator for additional damage.

[rotorwrench]

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Resistance makes heat but a dead short will make near any current passing material into a welder with full capability of the battery & generator. If the cut out doesn't open after shut down, the battery will try to motor the generator. Since it doesn't have enough torque to turn the engine through the fan belts, it will get pretty hot. Hot enough to start fying about any thing attached to it for sure.