The Ford Barn

adileo · 10-09-2018, 09:45 AM

Hi guys

I’ve been noticing after I drive the 52 F1, white (looks like battery acid) powder all around engine. I took analog voltmeter, started engine, removed negative terminal connected volt metrr and at idle 6.5 volts. However, when I rev engine it hits 10 volts.

You agree bad voltage regulator?

supereal · 10-09-2018, 05:07 PM

To check system voltage place the voltmeter between ground and the BAT terminal on the regulator with the battery terminals clean and tight. If you see more than 7.5 to 8 volts at a fast idle, it is likely the regulator or a battery cell that is dying.

koates · 10-09-2018, 06:13 PM

Not sure when you say removed negative terminal (on the battery ???) because you don't test the voltage in the system that way. Follow supereal instructions above and leave the battery terminals connected. Regards,, Kevin.

adileo · 10-09-2018, 06:37 PM

Ok thanks guys. My simple logic, putting the volt meter inline with the battery would show the volts going to battery.

I didn’t think it was battery as the white crap (all over firewall and engine) was telling me it was over charging. Testing it the way I did and seeing 10’volts on meter while reving kinda was confirming in my simple mind. But I yield to you both as I know I’m not as experienced

Thanks I’ll try you way in am

koates · 10-09-2018, 06:57 PM

Believe me we are correct and you are doing it wrong. An ammeter can be connected in line with the battery to read charging current in AMPS as long as you don't operate the starter motor if doing this. The voltmeter is not normally connected in line with the battery but is connected across the battery terminals to read VOLTS. No point in guessing how to do something especially electrical systems otherwise results can be BAD, INCONCLUSIVE or even DANGEROUS!!! Regards, Kevin.

adileo · 10-10-2018, 01:52 PM

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Connected as directed to voltage regulator. Reving engine the needle doesn’t go above 6.5 volts. Tried with lights on & off.

koates · 10-10-2018, 09:51 PM

If the generator and regulator are good then you should have around 7.5 volts with some revs up, around 2000RPM and hold for a minute or two to allow the voltage to stabilise. Approx 6.3 volts is the voltage of a charged battery at rest. so you see the battery is not being charged if all you have is 6.5 volts. Test your battery with a hydrometer or have it load tested and make sure it is not overfilled. Regards, Kevin.

adileo · 10-11-2018, 07:18 AM

Thanks, I determined when conducting the test the ground used was not good. I switched it to battery ground and now I’m getting 7-7.5 - all good.

10-09-2018, 09:45 AM	#1
adileo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,772	Bad voltage regulator? Hi guys I’ve been noticing after I drive the 52 F1, white (looks like battery acid) powder all around engine. I took analog voltmeter, started engine, removed negative terminal connected volt metrr and at idle 6.5 volts. However, when I rev engine it hits 10 volts. You agree bad voltage regulator? __________________ Thanks Andy 1952 F1 Last edited by adileo; 10-09-2018 at 09:57 AM.

10-09-2018, 05:07 PM	#2
supereal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Re: Bad voltage regulator? To check system voltage place the voltmeter between ground and the BAT terminal on the regulator with the battery terminals clean and tight. If you see more than 7.5 to 8 volts at a fast idle, it is likely the regulator or a battery cell that is dying.

10-09-2018, 06:13 PM	#3
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,185	Re: Bad voltage regulator? Not sure when you say removed negative terminal (on the battery ???) because you don't test the voltage in the system that way. Follow supereal instructions above and leave the battery terminals connected. Regards,, Kevin.

10-09-2018, 06:37 PM	#4
adileo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,772	Re: Bad voltage regulator? Ok thanks guys. My simple logic, putting the volt meter inline with the battery would show the volts going to battery. I didn’t think it was battery as the white crap (all over firewall and engine) was telling me it was over charging. Testing it the way I did and seeing 10’volts on meter while reving kinda was confirming in my simple mind. But I yield to you both as I know I’m not as experienced Thanks I’ll try you way in am __________________ Thanks Andy 1952 F1

10-09-2018, 06:57 PM	#5
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,185	Re: Bad voltage regulator? Believe me we are correct and you are doing it wrong. An ammeter can be connected in line with the battery to read charging current in AMPS as long as you don't operate the starter motor if doing this. The voltmeter is not normally connected in line with the battery but is connected across the battery terminals to read VOLTS. No point in guessing how to do something especially electrical systems otherwise results can be BAD, INCONCLUSIVE or even DANGEROUS!!! Regards, Kevin.

10-10-2018, 01:52 PM	#6
adileo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,772	Re: Bad voltage regulator? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Connected as directed to voltage regulator. Reving engine the needle doesn’t go above 6.5 volts. Tried with lights on & off. __________________ Thanks Andy 1952 F1

10-10-2018, 09:51 PM	#7
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,185	Re: Bad voltage regulator? If the generator and regulator are good then you should have around 7.5 volts with some revs up, around 2000RPM and hold for a minute or two to allow the voltage to stabilise. Approx 6.3 volts is the voltage of a charged battery at rest. so you see the battery is not being charged if all you have is 6.5 volts. Test your battery with a hydrometer or have it load tested and make sure it is not overfilled. Regards, Kevin.

10-11-2018, 07:18 AM	#8
adileo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,772	Re: Bad voltage regulator? Thanks, I determined when conducting the test the ground used was not good. I switched it to battery ground and now I’m getting 7-7.5 - all good. __________________ Thanks Andy 1952 F1