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Old 07-13-2017, 05:26 AM   #1
31 RPU
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Default Horn Problem

My horn blows just fine with car running or off. When I turn the lights on or hit the brake it just growls. Do I have a problem with my generator?
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Old 07-13-2017, 06:20 AM   #2
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Horn Problem

No, all sounds normal for a charging system with no voltage regulator. The lights or brake light draws more power than the generator may be set for, and they will then draw a bit of the power from the battery, thus due to line loss, the horn has a bit less voltage available.

If the horn sounds good now, I'd leave it alone, otherwise you could try one click looser on the horn adjustment screw.
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Old 07-13-2017, 06:56 AM   #3
marty in Ohio
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Default Re: Horn Problem

What Tom says, also make sure the horn is lubricated.
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Old 07-13-2017, 09:46 AM   #4
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Default Re: Horn Problem

...And the commutator is nice and clean!
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Old 07-13-2017, 10:25 AM   #5
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Default Re: Horn Problem

The best "FIX" for horn problems is a 6 Volt, positive ground ALTERNATOR! You'll never be SORRY you did it!
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Old 07-13-2017, 05:02 PM   #6
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I have adjusted the horn and lubricated it.
I have an alternator that is in a generator case. You can't tell it is an alternator.
I may put it on and try it.
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Old 07-13-2017, 11:18 PM   #7
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Default Re: Horn Problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by 31 RPU View Post
I have adjusted the horn and lubricated it.
I have an alternator that is in a generator case. You can't tell it is an alternator.
I may put it on and try it.
Well that a horse of a different color. If you have an alternator it should already have a regulator.

When you blow your horn what does the ammeter read?
With the lights on and the horn blowing what does the ammeter read?
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Old 07-13-2017, 11:52 PM   #8
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Default Re: Horn Problem

It shows discharging the needle goes to the left
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Old 07-14-2017, 07:56 AM   #9
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Default Re: Horn Problem

How bright are your lights? if the horn blows fine with the car off (lowest possible voltage) id suspect grounding issues and or the headlights/brake lights are somehow grounding thru the horn wiring.

Are your battery terminals clean and tight? Does the car crank over quickly or or is it kinda sick sounding?

Somewhere I think you have a corroded/rusted/loose connection as the connection is good enough to power one thing but overload it and it cant get enough juice through.Check your ammeter and junction box wiring as well.

are your horn wires under the tabs from the sides?
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Old 07-14-2017, 10:57 AM   #10
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Default Re: Horn Problem

Install a relay in the horn cover,with direct battery voltage.
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Old 07-14-2017, 02:44 PM   #11
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Default Re: Horn Problem

Try this. Back off on the adjuster screw until there is no sound. Then hit the button and let horn motor spin up for about 30 sec to a minute. The little motor likes to run. Let it run and it will sound better after you readjust it.
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Old 07-14-2017, 03:01 PM   #12
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Default Re: Horn Problem

Jackson,
Now that's a new one on me!! My horn's fine, but I might try this just for the heck of it. I guess it couldn't hurt.
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Old 07-14-2017, 04:07 PM   #13
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Default Re: Horn Problem

I did let the motor run like you said and oiled it to make sure everything was good and loose. Of course I noticed the horn doing this after I turned on the lights because it was getting dark outside. Otherwise I may not have noticed the problem.
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Old 07-14-2017, 04:11 PM   #14
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Default Re: Horn Problem

Battery terminals look fine. Ground cable doesn't look really good but I do have a new ground cable I will put on. The headlights are pretty bright. Car cranks over pretty good for a 6volt.
I will have to check other connections.
Thanks
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Old 07-14-2017, 05:25 PM   #15
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Default Re: Horn Problem

as a test for an iffy ground cable use a stout jumper cable from the ground terminal off the battery to the frame somewhere that is very clean. the temp added ground may do wonders.
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Old 07-14-2017, 08:45 PM   #16
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Im with Sea Slugs....X 2
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Old 07-15-2017, 10:53 AM   #17
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Default Re: Horn Problem

You might try moving the horn wire from the generator terminal over to the starter stud.
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