Diode vs. a non-diode cutout...

[Steve Plucker]

What is your preference...the use of a diode within the cutout or the original assembled cutout in your Model A and why?

Thanks.

Pluck

[Jim/GA]

If done right, a diode is more reliable than a reproduction cutout. They are junk.

A restored original mechanical type cutout is quite good and I don't mind using one, if you have one. The problem is they are hard to find in good condition and most people don't know how they work, how to adjust them, etc. No moving parts on a diode, so easy to use.

With the mechanical style you have to train yourself to look at the ammeter regularly to spot if the cutout is stuck open or shut. We've gotten out of the habit of doing that on modern cars (which don't even have an ammeter any more!).

[Mike V. Florida]

There are technically 3 types of cutouts: original and reproduction mechanical units and the diode type.

As Jim mentioned, the reproduction ones are junk, anything is better than junk. We say junk because the manufacturer cut corners in the amount and gauge of the wires used in the magnet, and the materials in the contacts. That leaves original and diode.

The diode is reliable, never needs adjustments.

I like the idea of using an original unit. They are robust, reliable, easy to restore and easy to fix, although I know of owners that have had their cars for 40+ years and they never failed, mines been on the car since the 80's and never a problem.

[Mitch//pa]

i have not had the diode style fail on me yet, but had plenty of the mech /original style cause issues.

[mlp623]

I switched to diode as well and have no problems. I like that it still has an original look but more modern function. It seems to be a good quality part and that seems worth paying for.

Matt

[Kurt in NJ]

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I converted my cutout 35 years ago with a used alternator diode, never any problems with it

There is an advantage to the diode cutout, I have hand crank started the car with a bad battery, a good brisk pull on the carnk makes almost 4 volts and has been enoughto start the engine with a battery having only 2volts

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Diodes DO cause a small voltage loss, BUT it seems to be of NO CONSEQUENCE.
HOW/WHY a diode works used to boggle my mind, I even sawed one in half???--Found my "LAYMENS" answer, in an old ENCYCLOPEDIA!--Just found the name of the leg bone I BROKE, in there too!
Bill W.

[mshmodela]

Thus far happy with my solid state cutout from Berts (Made in USA).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Z3QpOlN74

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Diodes are CHEEP & you can gut out your cut-out & solder it in yourself! IF you can't solder, in one LOOOOOOONG sentence, I can present you a "SOLDERING-101"
Bill W.

[al's28/33]

Diode cut out for reliability with my original powerhouse generator and EVR unit set-up by Thomas Wesenberg...that's the ONLY way to Fly!!!!

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Diodes DO cause a small voltage loss, BUT it seems to be of NO CONSEQUENCE.
HOW/WHY a diode works used to boggle my mind, I even sawed one in half???--Found my "LAYMENS" answer, in an old ENCYCLOPEDIA!--Just found the name of the leg bone I BROKE, in there too!
Bill W.

Want to know how a diode works take Physical Chemistry. Has to do with electrons and holes.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

Want to know how a diode works take Physical Chemistry. Has to do with electrons and holes.

Yes, I read about the "holes", etc, FASCINATING stuff!
Bill W.

[glenn in camino]

Modern electronics is a little like modern medicine. Way better than the old ways.

[ian Simpson]

Using a diode is a big step up in reliability over a mechanical cutout, but I went one better and use a proper solid state regulator that looks after the battery without me constantly checking the ammeter. Mine came from our local supplier, George Moir, in Stoney Plain, AB. (http://georgemoir.ca/)

I think Snyders have a similar product.

[MrTube]

I can kind of see why some would want the original setup, but at the same time the diode is infinitely more reliable and would you ever notice the difference?

I installed a solid state start relay on my 1933 fridge and I'm kinda sad I did because you don't hear the relay click everytime it starts. But, at the same time, it's probably more reliable.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by MrTube

I can kind of see why some would want the original setup, but at the same time the diode is infinitely more reliable and would you ever notice the difference?

I installed a solid state start relay on my 1933 fridge and I'm kinda sad I did because you don't hear the relay click everytime it starts. But, at the same time, it's probably more reliable.

hang a mechanical relay off the solid state one just to get the click.

[MrTube]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

hang a mechanical relay off the solid state one just to get the click.

Nice.
Still not the same.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by MrTube

I can kind of see why some would want the original setup, but at the same time the diode is infinitely more reliable and would you ever notice the difference?

I installed a solid state start relay on my 1933 fridge and I'm kinda sad I did because you don't hear the relay click everytime it starts. But, at the same time, it's probably more reliable.

Got to love that fridge...Not many around that work that is for sure.

Good job on restoring it!

Hope my gas pumps look the same when I get to them except I have gutted them for the most part.

Pluck

[53RYDER]

Newbie here! What's a cutout do?

Glenn

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 53RYDER

Newbie here! What's a cutout do?

Glenn

When the generator is spinning it makes electricity. When you apply electricity to the generator it runs like a motor. To keep the generator from trying to run like a motor, and killing your battery, when the engine is not running that little round box on the generator "cuts out" the electricity from getting to the generator.