I'm back from vacation, and actually got to spend a few more minutes trying
to diagnose my electrical problems. I've already replaced the regulator, to
little effect. The generator seems to be doing something, since it can keep
up with the current draw of the headlights, fuel pump, etc., and the battery
voltage does seem to go up a bit after starting. However, the ammeter
needle is still twitching, lots more than I remember, around zero at idle.
It twitches at around 10A charging for a few seconds right after starting.
At idle the headlights are noticeably flickering, and the flicker frequency
seems to track engine speed. I've had the back off the generator, and the
brushes have plenty left, and were free to move.
My thinking now is that there are shorts or opens in the generator windings.
The thing is coming off tonight, and will be tested at a shop this week. A
similar test a few years back showed it to be doing it's 30 Amps just fine.
If it's bad I will want to get a rebuilt piece. This is the standard early
60's Ford 30 Amp generator, right? What car should I tell the auto parts
guy it goes on, since I'm sure they won't list Tigers? I'll be keeping the
original piece, since I know the bearings and brushes are good, and you
never know with rebuilt.
Stu
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