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Joe K · 05-18-2013, 07:35 PM

As I understand it, the "powerhouse" generators are quite "robust." Both mechanically and electrically. Ford had in mind actual powerhouse dynamos when he designed it.

And you don't see too many things go wrong with a PH. Generally they're considered a "run for life" sort of machine.

I can't imagine that there isn't a "neutral point" somewhere in the brush travel where voltage is "less" and corresponding amperage to the battery would be less.

Your high amperage would normally be indicative of low voltage at the battery. If you have the 1.265 or above hydrometer reading indicated by Mike above, then that indicates that your battery is fully charged. If you read say 7.2 volts on the battery alone, then this confirms it. And it rules out a shorted plate or other matter internal to the battery (which would make the hydrometer reading correct for two and possibly all three cells.)

Check your Ammeter by a separate meter? In nuclear plants they don't question the instrumentation. But let's face it, the Ford Ammeters are kind of a cheap thing designed to double as a fuse on system overload.

I guess I would play around with it some more? Or maybe trade the battery in for a new battery? This a crummy way to deal with technical problems but it does get the job done. Or take this a step at a time and have the service guru do a "load test" of the fully charged battery to verify it's up to snuff? Load test is basically the proof of the pudding to any battery: any issues with cell charging/chemistry/full charge could be seen by a diminution on the load test.

I'm watching this with interest since I just bought a three brush generator as a "buy it now" on Ebay. This will be a replacement PH for the PH that I felt my March 29 truck had originally but had been replaced by Mr. Delco and Mr. Remy at some point in the truck's life.

And yes, I would be interested in an EVR. Pushing brushes around when the temperature falls below 30 degrees is not my idea of fun.

Joe K

05-18-2013, 07:35 PM	#8
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: CHARGE! Too much? As I understand it, the "powerhouse" generators are quite "robust." Both mechanically and electrically. Ford had in mind actual powerhouse dynamos when he designed it. And you don't see too many things go wrong with a PH. Generally they're considered a "run for life" sort of machine. I can't imagine that there isn't a "neutral point" somewhere in the brush travel where voltage is "less" and corresponding amperage to the battery would be less. Your high amperage would normally be indicative of low voltage at the battery. If you have the 1.265 or above hydrometer reading indicated by Mike above, then that indicates that your battery is fully charged. If you read say 7.2 volts on the battery alone, then this confirms it. And it rules out a shorted plate or other matter internal to the battery (which would make the hydrometer reading correct for two and possibly all three cells.) Check your Ammeter by a separate meter? In nuclear plants they don't question the instrumentation. But let's face it, the Ford Ammeters are kind of a cheap thing designed to double as a fuse on system overload. I guess I would play around with it some more? Or maybe trade the battery in for a new battery? This a crummy way to deal with technical problems but it does get the job done. Or take this a step at a time and have the service guru do a "load test" of the fully charged battery to verify it's up to snuff? Load test is basically the proof of the pudding to any battery: any issues with cell charging/chemistry/full charge could be seen by a diminution on the load test. I'm watching this with interest since I just bought a three brush generator as a "buy it now" on Ebay. This will be a replacement PH for the PH that I felt my March 29 truck had originally but had been replaced by Mr. Delco and Mr. Remy at some point in the truck's life. And yes, I would be interested in an EVR. Pushing brushes around when the temperature falls below 30 degrees is not my idea of fun. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.