The Ford Barn

Malcolm Robertson · 08-25-2010, 08:31 PM

I have two generators (one old & one newly rebuilt). I think the old one is burned up because Ammeter does not show anything on the charging side and only a small discharge when I honk the horn or turn on the lights. My questions is when I installed the new generator and hook-up the wires the Ammeter "pegs" at a complete discharge and stays there until I unhook the power, I really don't know what to look for and would appreciate your help and recommendations.

Tom Wesenberg · 08-25-2010, 08:57 PM

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If the amp meter pegs as soon as you connect the headlight and horn wires, you may have a short in either or both of those two circuits. You might also have a screw that's too long for the cutout output terminal and shorting out inside the cutout. I assume you have the insulating washers in place on both sides of the cutout. The thinner insulator goes on the side that connects to the generator terminal.

What happens when you touch the headlight/horn and generator wires together, but not connected to the cutout?

08-25-2010, 08:31 PM	#1
Malcolm Robertson Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 23	Need Help With Generator or Cut-Out Problem I have two generators (one old & one newly rebuilt). I think the old one is burned up because Ammeter does not show anything on the charging side and only a small discharge when I honk the horn or turn on the lights. My questions is when I installed the new generator and hook-up the wires the Ammeter "pegs" at a complete discharge and stays there until I unhook the power, I really don't know what to look for and would appreciate your help and recommendations.

08-25-2010, 08:57 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Need Help With Generator or Cut-Out Problem Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If the amp meter pegs as soon as you connect the headlight and horn wires, you may have a short in either or both of those two circuits. You might also have a screw that's too long for the cutout output terminal and shorting out inside the cutout. I assume you have the insulating washers in place on both sides of the cutout. The thinner insulator goes on the side that connects to the generator terminal. What happens when you touch the headlight/horn and generator wires together, but not connected to the cutout?