Steve :
The ammeter should deflect, if only to discharge when the lights are on and the
engine is stopped. If not, you have a dead ammeter.
Generator problems are unfortunately really tough to troubleshoot without at
least a voltmeter. Harbor Freight frequently has a cheap DVM on sale for $10
...
Does the ammeter still do nothing when you force the cutout contacts closed ?
Do the contacts stay closed when you release them ?
Did you attempt to adjust the old regulator when you suspected regulator
problems ? If so, I'd almost bet you've cooked the generator. One of the
regulator's most important functions is to limit the generator's output, as
otherwise it will over-heat, typically throwing solder from the commutator.
The adjustment procedure in the book does not make this clear at all.
One thing you can try is starting the engine and then temporarily bridging the
F, D and A terminals at the regulator. If revving the engine to no more than
1500 rpm doesn't produce at least a slight charge, the regulator is not at
fault. If you have a 12v test lamp, you can try connecting it from the D
terminal on the regulator to the D terminal on the generator (which should
produce no light), and from the F to the F (which should also produce no
light). If either of these lights, the wire is open. If these tests don't
uncover a problem, then likely the generator is bad.
Of course, the regulator may also be bad, one frequently leads to the other ...
Randall
59 TR3A - with a Ford alternator
On Wednesday, October 04, 2000 2:00 PM, Crockett, Steve
[SMTP:steve.crockett@analog.com] wrote:
>
> This may be a common question, but I have not seen it in the list. My problem
> is
> that the generator light all of a sudden stays glowing when the engine is
> running, at all RPM's. Also, the Ammeter stays still....no deflection either
> way. The generator is fairly new.. I had suspected regulator problems a few
> weeks ago - replaced the 'new' regulator with the old regulator and the
> problems
> went away......If I press down the contacts on the regulator the light
> generator
> light goes out. Any ideas???? (I don't have a circuit tester...suppose I
> should
> get one and learn how to use it!) Please don't tell me the generator is
> dead.....is there a test I can do???? All help is appreciated!
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