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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

GEN light when idling

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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 12:14 PM
  #1  
F250Rob's Avatar
F250Rob
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GEN light when idling

A post on generators got me wondering about mine.

When idling at 500-600RPM, the GEN light comes on intermittently telling me that it isn't charging properly. Was the truck supposed to be this way or does my generator need rebuilding./replacing?

Would it be a big deal to replace it with an alternator? I've seen kits to use the stock mounts.

ROB
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 12:22 PM
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That's just the way they work. 1500 rpms and they do their job just fine. Some guys panic and drop in a 'belly button' alternator, but it isn't necessary. Plus I think it looks better under the hood.

For the past 3 years I've driven daily a 48 F1, converted to 12V but still using the generator. No problems with normal idle times at stoplights or in traffic.

Benefit to using a generator? It'll charge a dead battery - an alternator won't.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 03:49 PM
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My 55 6V light comes on at idle and goes out approx 1000 rpm.
Fred K.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 07:06 PM
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Great...I was hoping that was the case. This truck is the only vehicle I've ever driven that runs with that system in place...

ROB
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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I read somewere that you can set the idle to were the light will just glows. And that is just about rite. If you don't like it glowing you can get a smaller pully for the generator. I have no trouble at all out of my generator.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 10:46 PM
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Hmmm. I'm not sure if my truck is set at the right idle speed, but at idle the light is out. However, as soon as it dips just a bit below idle, the light comes on.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2004 | 06:20 PM
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Koop, I wouldn't worry about it your generator may have the smaller pully on it that will keep the light off.
 
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