Ammeter "-", generator motors...hep
 

OK...yesterday we went for a drive and afterwards at home I noticed the ammeter in the negative with everything turned off so I disconnected the battery. Today I loosened the generator belt, reattached the battery, and the generator slowly turned. (Again, everything was off.) I am assuming the cut-out is bad. Does filing the cut-out points work or is a new one the only real solution???

Re: Ammeter "-", generator motors...hep
 

Repair the old one or get a fun projects voltage regulator to replace it. New repro cutouts are trouble I hear.

Re: Ammeter "-", generator motors...hep
 

Clean the points up and give it a try. The return spring may also be weak. Volt reg. is a good upgrade, as well as the diode kit, but if your cutout is original Ford give it to someone that might want to rebuild it, don't toss it in the trash.

Re: Ammeter "-", generator motors...hep
 

If the old is a reproduction then replace it with a solid state cutout (diode) if original open it up and inspect the ground wire as it often works its self loose.

Re: Ammeter "-", generator motors...hep
 

I "fixed" it. Sanded the contacts and aligned them. Works now. I also know what to look for (ammeter discharge when car off) to avoid any damage.

Great forum Thanks for all the help!!!!