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I have an electrical problem HELP

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Joe Musser, Dec 1, 2009.

  1. Joe Musser
    Joined: May 4, 2005
    Posts: 57

    Joe Musser
    Member
    from Altoona PA

    I got talked into driving my Model A in the christmas parade and when I went to get it out the headlights wont work. I invistigated and the bulbs were burned out, got to looking further and so were the tailights. I Put in all new bulbs and when I was backing out of the garage the lights blinked then blew out again. Any clues? a buddy of mine says I have a bad ground but I cant see how that would blow all the bulbs. The car is still 6 volt positive ground and I am running an 8 volt battery but I have been for years without any trouble. I am lost here and out of headlight bulbs.
     
  2. 29nash
    Joined: Nov 6, 2008
    Posts: 4,542

    29nash
    BANNED
    from colorado

    Bad ground, possible from batt to frame, gen frame to motor, motor to frame, even in the generator cut-out. When it 'gets better' momentarily, the resulting voltage surge burns out the bulbs.
     
  3. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 56,085

    squirrel
    Member

    open circuit in part of the wiring, perhaps where the cutout connects to the main power feed that ties to the battery. Check the whole circuit that connects the generator thru the ammeter to the battery. make sure it's not running thru the ignition switch, the switch should only switch on the ignition (if it's been modified) or short out the points (if it's stock)

    The problem is that the battery is momentarily not connected to the generator, so the voltage runs way up high, and pops the bulbs.

    btdt
     
  4. Joe Musser
    Joined: May 4, 2005
    Posts: 57

    Joe Musser
    Member
    from Altoona PA


  5. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 56,085

    squirrel
    Member

    There must be an easier answer, eh?
     
  6. shinysideup
    Joined: Sep 1, 2008
    Posts: 1,627

    shinysideup
    BANNED
    from ruskin, fl

    Running 9 volts(or more) through your lights designed for 7 will blow them out. You are obviously running an alternator as a genny cannot charge a 8volt battery. I suspect your voltage regulator has went out. What voltage are you seeing with engine running at fast idle?
     
  7. CGkidd
    Joined: Mar 2, 2002
    Posts: 2,910

    CGkidd
    Member

    Concure with shinysideup. Check voltage of your system.
     
  8. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 5,620

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.

    Had a '66 goat that would light up the night sky like lightning when both headlights would blow. Turned out to be the voltage regulator.....................
     
  9. Dokaddex73
    Joined: Oct 2, 2009
    Posts: 6

    Dokaddex73
    Member

    I have 25 posts but still cant pm or view profiles. Any admins that can help with this? Very much appreciated.Thanks
     
  10. Dan10
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 386

    Dan10
    Member
    from Joplin

    Bad ground caused this on a few vehicles I have owned. Make sure you have good grounds from battery to motor, motor to frame, and frame to body. I usually add an extra ground from the battery to the frame.
     
  11. 29nash
    Joined: Nov 6, 2008
    Posts: 4,542

    29nash
    BANNED
    from colorado

    Absolutely incorrect.
     
  12. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 56,085

    squirrel
    Member

    a model A generator will put out 24 volts
     
  13. Screamin' Metal
    Joined: Feb 1, 2009
    Posts: 506

    Screamin' Metal
    Member
    from Oklahoma

    Check your voltage to all the usual things and clean your grounds while you are at it.....Squirrel has ya covered....
     
  14. Joe Musser
    Joined: May 4, 2005
    Posts: 57

    Joe Musser
    Member
    from Altoona PA

    I am still using the 6 volt gen with just a reverse current cutout, there is no voltage regulator, and I have not really cranked up the amps, in fact i lowered them a bit recently when we took the car on a long trip.
     
  15. Joe Musser
    Joined: May 4, 2005
    Posts: 57

    Joe Musser
    Member
    from Altoona PA

    that would be a great idea I have thought of hooking up a voltage regulator under the floor boards but not really sure how
     
  16. jetmek
    Joined: Jan 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,847

    jetmek
    Member

    yeah bad grnd or open somewhere between the gen and the bat will cause high voltage condition on model a's the 3rd brush controls amp output but has nothing to do with voltage the battery acts as the voltage regulator on those systems. so you can charge an 8v bat with a 6v gen
     

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