How do I polarize this generator?

[Doctor's Ford]

Photos show my original 1933 model B generator after it was restored 3 years ago. Now that my engine is finally running I want to hook the generator and test if it works. I read several posts trying to understand how to polarize the gen but still can't figure out which are the parts that I have to hook together for a split second as frequently mentioned.

Using my photos as a reference can you please explain from where to where is that I have to connect?

I presume the procedure is done while the engine is running.

Sorry for asking what many may consider too basic a question. Thanks for any input. Manuel

[tbirdtbird]

a search will reveal several good threads on this, even in the last couple of days. Look for something from Tom Wesenberg.
it is easier to do than you think

[Tom Wesenberg]

Anything that gets battery voltage to the generator output post will polarize it.

The easiest way is to use a short wire and touch the 2 cutout terminals together for 1 second.

[jchochole]

Tom- is this what you are describing? A short jumper between the two red arrows- as drawn in this pic?

[tbirdtbird]

yes
good pic
should be saved somewhere on the forum for other people

[jchochole]

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Does it matter which side of the cut-out gets touched first? Is there a specific order to the flash?

[tbirdtbird]

does not matter

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by jchochole

Does it matter which side of the cut-out gets touched first? Is there a specific order to the flash?

No matter..........all that matters is you touch the generator terminal with battery voltage for one second.

BTW, the band should be black.

[katy]

Is that a cutout or a Fun Projects voltage regulator?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by katy

Is that a cutout or a Fun Projects voltage regulator?

If in doubt it would be safest to remove it and touch the wire to the generator terminal for one second, then reinstall the cutout. I know John has said not to polarize the regular way if his regulator is installed.

[jchochole]

I highly doubt it is anything but old- it has an aged patina that matches the rest of the car, it was caked in an 1/8th of grime and dirt. This car sat for decades and I am the first to resurrect it after its slumber.

When this car was parked John Regan was still a young snot-nose.

*thanks for the color correction on the band!

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by jchochole

Tom- is this what you are describing? A short jumper between the two red arrows- as drawn in this pic?

Yes, this is the setting on my generator also. I have a regular reproduction cut out, no electronics involved.

Thanks Tom and other respondents. I will proceed Monday and post my results.

[M&A Roadster]

Dumb question from a newbie, if the amp meter shows discharge when lights are on, does that mean polarization is correct and no need to try this jump?

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by M&A Roadster

Dumb question from a newbie, if the amp meter shows discharge when lights are on, does that mean polarization is correct and no need to try this jump?

No. That only shows your amp meter is not wired backwards. Unrelated to generator internals. The purpose of polarizing, by touching the genny output with a 'hot' is to impart a bit of residual magnetism in the steel core shoes the field coils are mounted on. That gives it the ability to start like a permanent magnet generator.

If the field is completely demagnetized the generator will not start while disconnected by the cutout from the battery. Rebuilding, mechanical shock, and long-term storage cause the residual magnetism to fade away.

[M&A Roadster]

Thanks, I have been reading les's books and checking the forum to try and make sure my grandfather's car he gave me is up to speed. The generator shows charging when I first start it but then goes to 0 unless I turn on the lights and then it shows a discharge. I put a volt meter on the cut out but it only shows around 5.8-6.10. Which is the same as at the battery and the starter. So I still can't tell if the gen is actually charging.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by M&A Roadster

Thanks, I have been reading les's books and checking the forum to try and make sure my grandfather's car he gave me is up to speed. The generator shows charging when I first start it but then goes to 0 unless I turn on the lights and then it shows a discharge. I put a volt meter on the cut out but it only shows around 5.8-6.10. Which is the same as at the battery and the starter. So I still can't tell if the gen is actually charging.

With the car running if you are only getting 6 volts something is wrong. Could be the cut out has failed. Check voltage on both sides of the cutout.