charging
 

I installed rebuilt generator and new amp meter in my 29 A. Set third brush in generator 1/3 down. When checking if charging at the battery, the number's on my multimeter goes crazy, just flickers. Also, amp meter needle doesn't move. Thanks for help.

Re: charging
 

You must use an analog meter. What kind of cutout are you using? Did you install it backwards? Post some good clear photos of your generator so we can see.
Steve

Re: charging
 

Your car may also not charge at idle if your brush is only 1/3 down.Try going to a fast idle or just rev the engine slowly to see how much charge you are putting out at different RPM. The charge rate will cap out at a certain RPM, and for me that's somewhere around 2000. You want no more than 5 amps for short daytime drives, and around 2 amps if you drive for long distances.

Re: charging
 

IMO, those digital meters are about as useful as fly screen on a submarine. Throw them in the trash.

Re: charging
 

Check for good ground connection between generator and battery.

Re: charging
 

It also might take a little running time for the new brushes in the rebuilt generator to fully seat against the commutator. Until they run in and make full contact you could see erratic numbers on the meter.

Re: charging
 

If it was properly rebuilt, the brushes should have been sanded in to fit the commutator. I do this on every generator I rebuild.

Re: charging
 

I have digital and analog meters and use both. My Fluke digital was purchased to adjust voltage output on aircraft 24-volt systems so they would charge at 28-volts. The fluke was the most accurate one I could get 30 years ago and it works fine on alternator and starter generator systems. If his meter is fluctuating then there is likely something wrong.

I would polarize the field pole shoes, Insure that the cut out works, and try it again. A test of the amp meter can be done by hand cranking the engine till your sure the points are closed. If the coil is wired to the load side then switching the ignition on with points closed will show a discharge of at least 3-amps. Also insure the battery connections are good and tight.