Hey guys, I need to install a new 6 volt positive ground battery on the 51 F1. I read on here somewhere that the polarity needs to be set. Does anyone have instructions or tips and tricks to installing the battery and setting the polarity? Thanks in advance.

 

The polarity of the battery is inherent to its design and cannot be changed. You only need to make sure that the cable going to the starter solenoid attaches to the "-" post and the ground cable attaches to the "+" post.

I believe that what you've read about needing to be done was polarization. This process is to set a residual magnetic charge in the generator's field coils so that it charges at the same polarity of the battery. It normally shouldn't be necessary to do if the charging system has been working correctly before the battery failed, but it won't hurt anything to do it again even if it doesn't need it. Just remove the wire from the "F" or "FIELD" terminal of the voltage regulator and touch it to the "B" or "BATT" terminal of the regulator for two seconds and then reattach it to the FIELD terminal where it belongs. Disregard any little sparkles that escape when you touch the FIELD wire to the BATT terminal. They are to be expected. That's all there is to it.

 

Generators need polarizing. It's normally done at the regulator, which makes some people think that it's the regulator that is being polarized. A generator does not need polarization when a battery is disconnected or replaced, or a regulator is replaced.

On the other hand it won't hurt anything, IF it's done correctly. Fords and GM use different procedures because the way the generators are wired is different. Do not use one for the other.

On a Ford, disconnect both the FLD and BAT wires at the regulator (Engine OFF) and touch them together for a second. May see a spark, that's OK. Reconnect wires to regulator. This is straight out of the manual. Done. Go for a beer.

 

Polarizing the generator:
At the regulator you remove the field (F) wire and briefly touch it to the battery (B) terminal, you should see a small spark. Hook the field wire back up and that's it.
I have had issues where the generator didn't start charging- after having the battery disconnected for a few weeks - until I performed the polarization again.


I have a battery cut off switch on my battery negative, and usually disconnect it overnight- every night. I have no issues when disconnected overnight, might have to bring the RPMs up the first start of the day to begin charging, but not after the first start of the day.

 

Thanks, that was the advice I needed! Really appreciate it!