Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

How does one stop the cutout switch from "welding" its points closed? I file the build-up off, and the car runs fine for a trip or two, then the cutout closes itself at the end of the trip.
Regards
Mike
Johannesburg, South Africa

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

Replace it with a diode.
Is your an original ore reproduction?
What kind of current draw does your car have.
At what voltage do the points close?

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

I've never had a problem when using an original cutout. Many of the repro cutouts are junk and the contacts burn and stick. I would only use an original cutout, or a quality diode cutout, such as the one made by A&L.

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

Yes you chaps are correct, this is a repro cutout. I have had problems with a diode cutout as well. As for the questions on current draw, or at what voltage the points close, I don't really know how to measure these - please can you give me advice on this?

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

Are you using the stock 6 volt positive ground?

I would adjust the third brush so the ammeter only reads a couple amps. This will keep the battery charged for normal daytime driving, and it will lighten the load on the cutout. If you do a lot of night driving, then you will have to raise the amp setting to run the lights.

Moving the adjustable brush up lowers the amps.

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

I bought a voltage regulator from Macs a few years ago and it works great. No more having to adjust the generator for night driving. Replaces the cutout and looks perfectly stock.

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

I also installed a Fun Projects voltage regulator, on my '30 Ford, a number of years ago and it had been working great. It looks just like the cutout and even has the Ford script on it.
Rog

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

Steve at Bert's in Colorado has re-conditioned originals which many users here including myself rave about.
The spring on the repops is crappy and loses it temper and then becomes very weak.

I have tried a number of diode cutouts and for whatever reason, they don't seem to like Texas much, I can never get them to work

Tom W from this forum makes a quality EVR which means never adjust the 3rd brush again

Re: Cutout switch: how to stop it from "welding" itself closed?
 

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll try and adjust the third brush a little and see if I get better results.
Kind regards
Mike