more electrical questions on the 32

[jim1932]

OK...My car seems to run fine but on occasion the AMP gauge will bounce all over at one point it pegged on discharge then came back up. I have been over the wiring (which is new) several times. Could I have a generator issue? Bad Amp gauge?

[PeteVS]

Five hours and no-one's answered yet, so I'll poke my nose in with very little experience with earlier (pre-fifties) electrical systems. Whereas later systems use a remote voltage regulator (search for Uncle Henry's posts on his generator,) the earlier cars use a third brush to limit either (I don't know which) the voltage or current the generator produces. They also use an electromechanical relay to prevent the battery from draining back through the generator when the engine is not running. Now, if you don't have some form of intermittent short, what you're experiencing is probably caused by maladies in the generator and / or cutout. To see if it's a short or not, you might want to try running the car on the battery only (disconnect the generator lead) and see if the amp meter shows a steady discharge. If this shows that the problems only occur with the generator involved, you should consider: A- Having the generator rebuilt by a competent individual. B- Replacing the third brush with a electronic voltage regulator. C- Replace the cutout with a diode. If you do all that, then it's time to go digging for a short. I'm sure that others should have something to say based on my comments and I look forward to learning from them.

[koates]

Hi again, Have you not fixed this problem yet ? I did respond to you regarding that crappy non original cut out on your generator, so did you replace it ? Read my earlier post and act on it. Good luck, regards, Kevin.

[jim1932]

Originally Posted by koates

Hi again, Have you not fixed this problem yet ? I did respond to you regarding that crappy non original cut out on your generator, so did you replace it ? Read my earlier post and act on it. Good luck, regards, Kevin.

Yes I took that model A fuse set up out. I went over all the wiring, After driving it, nothing is hot or smoking. Can anyone tell me how to check it out with an electrical meter or something? It doesn't try to quit or anything when the amp meter goes crazy. Usually at a high rev or accelerating.

[koates]

jim, I did not mention the model A fuse on the starter switch (you should leave that in place) I said the generator cut out looked as if the connections inside were overheated and faulty.. Check it out and resolder the connection or better still replace it. Regards, Kevin.

[JSeery]

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Originally Posted by jim1932

Yes I took that model A fuse set up out. I went over all the wiring, After driving it, nothing is hot or smoking. Can anyone tell me how to check it out with an electrical meter or something? It doesn't try to quit or anything when the amp meter goes crazy. Usually at a high rev or accelerating.

With an intermittent electrical issue a meter might not help much. Could hook up a meter on different wires and try wiggling them, but this may not be easy to do if your not familiar with electrical testing and repair. Best guess would be to start with the generator and the cutout. If possible might get someone that knows how to check them to take a look at it. Could be a faulty component or a lose or faulty wire.

[jim1932]

Originally Posted by koates

jim, I did not mention the model A fuse on the starter switch (you should leave that in place) I said the generator cut out looked as if the connections inside were overheated and faulty.. Check it out and resolder the connection or better still replace it. Regards, Kevin.

Oh. Will do that tonight

[PeteVS]

Jim: take a look at Old Henry's thread here. See his post #42 for a good example of an intermittent charging problem.

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...ator&showall=1

[jim1932]

I pulled the regulator and it looks like it has seen better days. Lots of evidence of shorts. I ordered a new one. How far can you drive on a good charged battery with no generator hooked up?

[Karl Wolf]

YES, I've done it a bunch... -How far do you want to go?
Handy to have a volt meter, and a spare battery- maybe.

Don't use the starter a lot- helps.

Karl

[JSeery]

Also, hopefully not at night! They use very little power running.

[koates]

Jim. That "THING" on top of your generator is NOT A REGULATOR, its a CUT OUT. That's an automatic OFF-ON switch which connects and disconnects the generator to the battery. It does not do any regulating. The third brush adjustment inside the generator sets the generators maximum charge rate. About an 8 amp setting total is enough for daylight running. So I was correct in identifying your faulty cut out. You should have taken notice of my earlier posts. So what new cut out have you ordered? Some are good and some are absolute CRAP. There is a round ford type reproduction cut out which is actually an electronic voltage regulator and are quite good. Made by "FUN PROJECTS" at around $90.00 each. You need a 6 volt positive ground version for your original 1932 ford B. Answer my questions and I can give you good advice. Regards, Kevin.

[jim1932]

B-10505-RV8 Voltage Regulator, Electronic, 6V; fits 1932-39 from Bob Drake.

[jim1932]

MY question on the battery is in response to the idea of unhooking the regulator and see if I still get the crazy readings on the amp gauge. I know if the battery goes dead the car does too. Will it drive 5 or ten minutes on the battery alone?

[Mart]

Yes, easily in daylight.

Make sure it's charged up before you set off.

Mart.

[Bob C]

Do not run the engine with the generator disconnected from the battery as
the generator can run wild and put out up to 40 volts and burn itself up.

Bob