Eating Up Voltage Regulators

[rotorwrench]

Most Fords from the model A up through 1955 ran 6-volt positive ground systems. Polarizing a generator is a simple matter of flashing the field to get residual magnetism of proper polarity into the generator pole shoes. The generator starts generating off of that residual magnetism as soon as it starts turning. Once the voltage builds to a point just over the battery normal voltage, the cut out pole closes and brings the generator on line to start replenishing amperage that was used during starting. After it has run a while, the ammeter should settle back down to indicate the basic amperage that allows the coil and whatever other electrical loads are on at the time. Generators don't function well if rpm gets out of the normal operational range. If an engine runs higher rpm then it needs a pulley to slow it down but most Ford systems already have a proper diameter for normal function.

Koates is one of those electrical guys that could find your problem but unfortunately he's not in your local area. Take note of his recommendations. A bad battery or some form of short of a more intermittent type can give you fits so make sure the wiring is good throughout the car. Test the battery with a high rate discharge tester or just keep an eye on amperage/voltage during charging. Voltage should be around 7.2 or so during normal function of the regulator. If the battery is on a good 6-volt charger then the amperage shouldn't get too high or overheat unless it is near dead or has a problem internally. A fully charged battery should read around 6.3 volts give or take. It may be lower after is sets a while but should still make at least 6-volts. The generator can be tested for both regulated and unregulated function to see if it's functioning properly but some important tools are needed as Koates mentioned. If the generator is putting out too many amps on an overload situation then it will kill a regulator. While I'm not too impressed with the modern replacement parts, most will give better service than that but adjustments of the VR pole and the current limiter pole are always suspect on the new ones. I actually trust the older units more but they are getting harder to find in usable condition.