[Healeys] Battery Not Charging Part 2

[Bob Spidell]

I'm not that well-versed on electronics--self-taught only--but I'll throw a couple things out that might help get things moving. 

Voltage from a generator is determined by the amount of current applied to the field coils. The VR should allow enough current so that the generator reaches a set point, at which time the VR ceases to provide current, and the voltage drops until the VR starts sending current (hence the 'chatter'). There are only two things I can think of that would cause a 'runaway' generator: the VR is stuck continuously providing current to the coils, or something else is providing the current (i.e. a short). I installed one of the Moss VRs a few thousand miles ago and it appears to be functioning properly. so, either you got a defective VR, or you have a short to the field coils. If you could get your hands on a known-good generator and try it you might find a clue; same with a known-good VR. If the problem persists you'd have to assume something in your wiring. 

Sorry I can't be of more assistance. 

Bob 

----- Original Message -----


Update: I disassembled my generator again and noticed that my commutator 
grooves were pretty flush so I re-etched the grooves, sanded it 
smoothly, reassembled the generator and walla, my battery began 
receiving a charge. Now the bad news. The more I revved the engine, up 
to 3000 RPM, the higher my voltage was reading at the battery, up to 
18.5V! So now my batter is overcharging. I did some reading and 
watched Moss TV on the voltage regulator and noticed that the point 
would jump to the open position after start up but the battery continued 
to receive a charge so I tried adjusting the voltage regulator and 
nothing made a difference. Moss TV says that the point is supposed to 
chatter (open and closing) but it was just remaining open because my 
batter was receiving a continuous charge so I figured the regulator was 
bad. So I ordered a new regulator from Moss, one that was adjusted, 
cleaned and tested. I installed it and the same thing. I double 
checked my wiring at the regulator and it's correct. At idle the 
battery is receiving about 12.5V but when I begin revving it, it won't 
level off at around 14.3V like it should. How can the battery continue 
to receive a charge with the contact point in the voltage regulator in 
the open position? I'm completely stumped! 

Steve Meyer 
61 BN7 3000