Generator question? aka: diagnose my car

[Fidget]

There are two things I can't do. 1) good body work, and 2) electrical diagnostics. That being said, I think my generator is starting to give out. My 'gen' light has been glowing slightly for a while, but I've never had any starting problems or dim lights. Now the idiot light is glowing bright when the headlights are on, no dim headlights, and the car has died at idle a couple of times. Today, it acted like the battery was low, but turned over and started the second time I tried. Related?? From what I can see (using mirror), I don't see any visible solder splatter inside so I don't think it overheated. If it is the generator, can these be rebuilt simply at home, or do I need to have a professional do it? Oh yeah, '58 Ford 292.

[marq]

Is it a dynamo or an alternator?

[reece]

I used to run a generator on my Chevy way back in the day- went through about 3 until I switched to an alternator.

I would check for loose connections first then I would use a multimeter to see what battery voltage was with the car off. I would then start car and check voltage -if this reading is lower then you know you aren't charging. I would then probably open the voltage regulator (probably mounted on firewall or rad. support ) and make sure regulator contacts were not stuck together or burnt. If so I would try a regulator first and if that didn't do it I would start looking for an old time shop that could rebuild yours or look for another.

Anyway - this is just how I would do it - I am just happy to find a post that's not O/T that I could respond to where I think I may be able to help http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[marq]

Try to get a commutator stick and see if that works .Ots a thing like a stick of stone and you put it on the commutator when the car is running to clean it up.....this has worked on my dynamo almost every time.......Marq

[C9]

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'58 Ford 292

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If I remember right, the generator on these hang down low on the engine.
If . . . it's the generator that's not putting out (as vs. a bad regulator) the brushes may be stuck.
A distinct possibility since you live in a rainy area.
Blast through a deep puddle in one of these Fords and many times the muddy water will soak the generator and glue the brushes in place.
Sometimes tapping the generator case with a plastic hammer will free them up.
If it does and the fix only lasts a couple of days then more than likely the brush channel has dried mud within.
What happens here is the brush wears a few thousandths and no longer makes contact.

There is a simple test to tell whether it's the generator or regulator that's gone bad, but I don't remember exactly how it goes. (Plus all my manuals are still packed away after a move.)

[Fidget]

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Is it a dynamo or an alternator?

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Alternator.

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I would then probably open the voltage regulator (probably mounted on firewall or rad. support ) and make sure regulator contacts were not stuck together or burnt.

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My buddies Dad was a hot rodder in the 50's. He just told me the same thing! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif He said most of the Ford guys he knew used to carry around an extra voltage regulator just because they went out so often. I thought about switching to an alternator, but from just eye balling it, I'm not sure if there would be room.


[ QUOTE ]
Try to get a commutator stick and see if that works .Ots a thing like a stick of stone and you put it on the commutator when the car is running to clean it up.....this has worked on my dynamo almost every time.......Marq

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I have never heard of that. Could that be something that goes by a different name over here??

[ QUOTE ]
If I remember right, the generator on these hang down low on the engine.
If . . . it's the generator that's not putting out (as vs. a bad regulator) the brushes may be stuck.
A distinct possibility since you live in a rainy area.
Blast through a deep puddle in one of these Fords and many times the muddy water will soak the generator and glue the brushes in place.
Sometimes tapping the generator case with a plastic hammer will free them up.
If it does and the fix only lasts a couple of days then more than likely the brush channel has dried mud within.
What happens here is the brush wears a few thousandths and no longer makes contact.

There is a simple test to tell whether it's the generator or regulator that's gone bad, but I don't remember exactly how it goes. (Plus all my manuals are still packed away after a move.)

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It hangs low, on a lowered car. If the brushes are gummed up, it's going to have to come apart anyways to get it all cleaned out and test the clearances. Sounds like a rebuild job if the regulator tests good. I'll whip out the rubber mallet anyways, I'm good at wacking things!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Thank you all!

[Sean]

Fidget,
If you want to switch out the Generator for an Alternator it's really simple.

Take a look at this link (http://www.ranchwagon.com/tech/alt/alt.htm) for all of the instructions. It's very easy to do. Took me about a half hour to fab the brackets and install and wire up the alternator. You use all of your existing brackets. Make sure to flip the lower bracket that mounts on the timing cover.

I used a 40 inch belt and it fits nice and tight. Hope it helps.
-Sean

[Fidget]

Thanks Sean!! That link answers a lot of questions about the how to. So simple even I can screw it up!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[marq]

ok here goes to test the field circuit
disconnect the D and F leads then connect the volt meter between D and earth the reading should be approx 1.5 - 3 volts at approx 1500 rpm.if the correct reading is shown the armature circuit is ok therefore the d lead must be the cause of the problem so check D for open circuit or a leak to earth.To check the field circuit diconnect the F and D than connect an amp meter between them and then the volt meter between D and earth (you need 4 pairs of hands for this mate)start the engine and slowly increase the speeduntil volt meter shows 12v and the amp meter reads2-2.5 amp if the result is ok then your f lead is faulty.check this lead for leaks between D and F and also leaks to earth.If you need more info i can send you some lucas info as long as your computer can read the scan.Dynamos are pretty simple and all work on the same principle so this info would help just pm me if you want it........Marq