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Old 11-09-2019, 04:04 PM   #1
jim1932
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Default Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Ok. I have no clue when it comes to electricity. I am not getting a charging on the amp meter when running. I do need to replace the wiring harness, and have it ready to go, but how do I know if the generator and cut out are operating correctly? And if it is not, who rebuilds them?
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Old 11-09-2019, 04:27 PM   #2
Andy
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

I think Autozone could test it. I think grounding the lead to the cut out should make it go full charge.
The cut out just isolates the gen so not to run down the battery when parked.
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Old 11-09-2019, 06:29 PM   #3
John R
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Jim,
Arlington Armature in Springfield, VA can test the generator. They are relatively local to you. They've been in business for many decades. Guys in the local V8 club have used their services.
John
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Old 11-09-2019, 06:35 PM   #4
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Quick and easy check; start engine, run at above idle speed [generator won't charge at idle], use a jumper from one side of cut out to the other. See if ammeter reads...Report back
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Old 11-10-2019, 03:41 AM   #5
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

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Originally Posted by Andy View Post
I think Autozone could test it. I think grounding the lead to the cut out should make it go full charge.
The cut out just isolates the gen so not to run down the battery when parked.
Grounding the lead to the cut out is not the correct information, so don't do that. What Brian said is OK providing the cut out is an original Ford unit and not a Fun Projects voltage regulator replacement which looks just the same as the original unit. Better to disconnect both cut out wires and join them together with the engine on a fast idle. If you still have no charge then the generator is faulty. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 11-10-2019, 08:47 AM   #6
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A CUT OUT IS JUST A SET OF POINTS that when the ignition switch is Off they are open, IF THEY STICK CLOSED ANB YOU SHUT IGNITION OFF the AMP gage will get burned out ,! Been there done that 1 A funspot cut out may be a better choice.
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Old 11-10-2019, 09:00 AM   #7
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

If you have a stock generator...it has a third brush built in that is adjustable. Remove the band around the generator and it should be the brush that is facing you. "Push" it with a screw driver one or way or the other and then start the car and see if there is any difference in the reading. If it is showing more of a discharge, turn the car "off" and adjust the brush in the other direction. Start the car again and see if the ammeter is charging more this time. If there is no difference the readings...you may have a generator problem or a wiring problem.
Good luck, Pat
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Old 11-10-2019, 09:50 AM   #8
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

If you take the belt off and put power to the output post the generator should "motor", if it doesn't there is a internal problem

If there are 2 wires coming out of inside one is a field ground that needs to be grounded unless it is connected to a oval cutout that has a voltage regulator too (many that were rebuilt got converted to this)
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Old 11-10-2019, 11:30 AM   #9
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Jim,


It would help if you shared which '32 generator you have; four or V8 and original (no wires, just a threaded stud protruding) or later (with protruding wires)?
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Old 02-01-2020, 05:50 PM   #10
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Finally got some photos. Who works on these? Cut out looks like a modern seated unit.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg gen 1.jpg (42.6 KB, 105 views)
File Type: jpg gen 2.jpg (43.3 KB, 97 views)
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Old 02-01-2020, 06:54 PM   #11
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Your generator has been rebuilt/replaced at some point in its life given that it has wires rather than a threaded stud in back of the cutout. Further, given the location of the emerging wires, the center section of your generator is not the '32 variety, if that matters to you. If it were a '32, the wires would be emanating from about the middle of the top of the generator, not at the back. It's not a Model A center section either as if it were, the wires would emanating from the front of the center section. Which leaves the interesting question of what is it?
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:15 PM   #12
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

It is a POS that doesn't charge....LOL where do I get a good one. By the way, since you remember my Tudor, Apparently my motor noise was all the babbitt being blown out...per the new owners... good think I represented it as a questionable motor.
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:37 PM   #13
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Oct 1928 through March 1930 had the output terminal near the front . From March 1930 through the end of Model A production had the output terminal toward the rear of the generator.


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Old 02-01-2020, 09:45 PM   #14
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Ive seen way too many times shorted out field coils and/or armatures due to overheating/overcharging. They are quite fun to rebuild and the only real specialized tool you would need is a armature growler. Field coils are available NEW and in your case with the 4 cyl. I believe the armature is as well.

A Easy test is to set the generator in a vise, and connect a battery charger (6V) to it. if it motors (spins) it should charge to some degree.
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Old 02-01-2020, 10:12 PM   #15
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Bob C,


Thanks for the enlightenment; my knowledge of Model As is clearly lacking.
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Old 02-02-2020, 10:41 AM   #16
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Quote:
Originally Posted by 35fordtn View Post
Ive seen way too many times shorted out field coils and/or armatures due to overheating/overcharging. They are quite fun to rebuild and the only real specialized tool you would need is a armature growler. Field coils are available NEW and in your case with the 4 cyl. I believe the armature is as well.

A Easy test is to set the generator in a vise, and connect a battery charger (6V) to it. if it motors (spins) it should charge to some degree.
Is there any kind of manual for these? All I saw in the service manual was something about moving the middle brush, which doesn't seem to apply here. I am going to try replacing the cutout.
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Old 02-02-2020, 10:43 AM   #17
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

The cutout is nothing more than a set of points, you can jump the cutout and see if it charges. Have another person on hand when you do to watch the gauge. as if the field coils are shorted you could ruin a battery if jumped as there is no protection (fuse) in that circuit


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Old 02-02-2020, 12:05 PM   #18
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Moving the 3rd brush is what changes the charging rate. Do you show a discharge with the head lights on??
Paul in CT Is this a NEW problem??
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Old 02-02-2020, 04:28 PM   #19
jim1932
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

I appreciate the trouble shooting. Although I have been on here a long time, mechanically I am still a novice. I am number one, looking to see if it the the right Generator... not show quality correct, works correct. Then trouble shoot it. perfectly willing to just buy one that works
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Old 02-03-2020, 03:35 PM   #20
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Default Re: Basic trouble shooting 32 generator

Jim1932
Pop over to the A forum, couple of B guys there might be able to help you more.
Love the coupe.
Paul in CT
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