Generator inop

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Aug 6, 2005 | 07:33 PM

gtspowerstroke

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Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 41

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Generator inop

I have a very detailed understanding of Alternator systems and how they work but this old Generator with mechanical regulator thing is new to me. I have a '62 Falcon Ranchero and the Gen. light is on. It started comming on on start up then going out shortly after(longer than normal to check the bulb works). Then it started comming on and not going off until you rev it a little. Now it just stays on all the time. I've cleaned the points contacts in the regulator but I really don't understand how the system works so that I can accurately diog the problem. Does the two wires going into the side of the generator charge a field coil like in an alternator? So if I full field it will it charge at full. Or I am thinking backwards on this one? How does the current flow through the regulator? Does it dump excess to ground or does it adjust the voltage to the field coil like on an alternator? I need to get this thing working A.S.A.P. because it is my only transportation now that my PSD threw a rod though the side of the block. All help is greatly appriciated.

Aug 7, 2005 | 08:49 PM

Gary B

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 141

Likes: 1

From: Il.

disconnect regulator conn. you will see three wires together and a forth one seperated. to full field it, jumper the first and third wires together. if it charges then the reg. is bad.