6 volt alternator question
 

Our '30 Model A coupe is pretty much stock, 6 volt, positive ground. It has a 6 volt alternator. When I first start the engine the horn won't honk and the ammeter shows a good discharge when I turn on the head lights. After driving 3 to 5 miles the horn honks fine and the ammeter shows normal when the head lights are turned on. What is going on that there seems to be a "warm up time"? Is that normal with the 6 volt alternator or is there something I need to fix? I'm not so good with electrical stuff so a simple answer please.

Thanks

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

my horn works well with the car off. look into your connections of your horn wiring.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

also you may want to check or add grounding straps. I added a grounding strap because the front right radiator bolt to fender was turning red hot during starting. the engine needs a ground to the frame. and if your horn isnt working but comes on after things have shifted around. your body of your car may need a ground strap. the horn button is supplying ground for the horn circuit.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Thanks for the good answers. A buddy is coming over this week to look at it. I think your answers are pretty much on target. He's an aircraft mechanic and does electrical stuff. I'll let you know what he finds out. Thanks again

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

If you have a starter mounted fuse, you should remove it when you are done driving for the day. Some of the alternators have an internal current leakage and will discharge you battery over a number of days.
Just remember to re-install the fuse before you start up the A.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Y-Blockhead is quite correct, normal situation.
Once it turns on it will set a loop to the VR.
It will vary in turn on speed btw..This too is normal. Pulley size plays into as well.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Horn may cleaning contacts/brushes. plus a very light oiling

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Definitely the alternator must be "Excited" at each start for it to produce juice. Some say you might wish to hook up an "Idiot Light" which would eliminate the need to rev it up, but its easier to rev than to screw with an accessory in my opinion.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Woodrow, you can buy a smaller pulley from most of the Model A suppliers which will turn the Alt faster and excite it quicker. I always just give it a little throttle when it starts and it excites write away. I think most of the newer sold units have a quicker exciter in them.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Yes, do as Gary said,
Lots of folks don't know about oiling the felts on the motor shaft, under the horn cover. Manuals say to oil them every 3 MONTHS:eek:
Bill W.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Bruce please tell me more about adding an idiot light. How is wired in?
Thank you.
Al

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Or install a battery disconnect switch.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

I agree with the comment on an alternator mounted fuse, but you do not need to remove it, but just pry up one end of the fuse so it is not making contact. Tom Endy takes old clothespins apart, and uses the small wooden angled piece as a lever to pry it up.....works perfect and is very quick and easy to do.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Although it is a "one wire" unit, that only means only one wire is needed for the unit to work. The "L" (light) terminal can still be used and creates a resistance through the light to cause the regulator to excite more quickly.
I have a one wire alternator on my Chevy, and it excites immediately when I start it.
I do not have one on my "A", but know from experience this works on one wire alternators. I have suggested to people confronted with this problem to do this and just leave the light under the hood, rather than try to run it inside the car.
Now, or course this would not be applicable for a points car, but with an alternator... it's not a points car anyway.
Give it a try with a test light before you start attaching things, just so you are satisfied with the results.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Al, you are correct and I apologize for the error. I was picturing the aftermarket alternator when I made the comment.
Now, am I incorrect in assuming there is no light terminal on the Russ Evans unit?
I have never seen one, so am curious.

Thanks for reminding me of the other version of the alternator.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Depends on the alternator. There are alternators for 12 volts like this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tff-7127 that can be used as a one wire or three.

I admit I don't know about the 6v alt's sold by the vendors.

Re: 6 volt alternator question
 

Woodrow send me an email to [email protected], and can send you the information on how to convert the one wire alternator to a 3 wire and will eliminate the problem of having to rev up the engine to get the alternator to charge. You will have to remove the fuse as others have mentioned as it has a small draw on the battery to energize the alternator even when sitting.