So I think I get to learn how the generator and voltage regulator work on the model a next.
Battery died - not 100% sure if the generator is working correctly or if the voltage regulator is messed up etc. Still have to look up how to start diagnosing but I thought I'd post this first.
When I put the voltmeter on the battery while car is running - voltage is jumping all over the place. Here's a video. I really don't know but I'm assuming this is not normal, or is it? I believe it should be reading 7-8volts while running if I've heard correctly.
I did take apart the voltage regulator - or cut-out I guess it what's it's really called. It's not original - it's been modified with a diode. Original was like a point - just open or closed depending on what's needed.
Checked resistance on the diode and it's flowing one direction only. I assume it's functioning correctly.
Gotta keep digging and figure out what the problem is here. I'm assuming I'm not suppose to see voltage like that. Trying to find out what I am suppose to see at different points in the system.
try joining and posting on the fordbarn probably more help there.once on there do a search before asking you may find info needed.call it cutout as that is name they recognize.I remember reading a couple of posts on it recently.
-- Edited by 54vicky on Sunday 17th of September 2017 11:08:46 AM
Been tinkering and learning a bit about the generator and the cutouts on these cars.
Decided to try and confirm if the generator was really working or not..
Tried to give the generator a quick shot of 6V to see if it will spin and it didn't.
So took it apart. I cleaned up the commutator, gunk filled in between the bars almost completely. The brushes were barely making contact with the commutator. One of them just a hair of contact on the edge of a brush. Things don't align so nicely if you just drop the brush in. So I put a socket inside the cap that holds the brushes with sandpaper on it to shape the brushes to the commutator, so there's nice full contact now. Found that someone had put the different size brushes in the wrong place. Found a damaged spot on the insulation on the lead coming off the adjustable brush.
Learned how to test an armature to see if the windings are all still good. It's actually super easy to do. Just a series of tests with a voltmeter on the armature. Put it all back together - gave it a quick shot of power and it spun this time!
So I'd say that's a good sign!
I'm sure that doesn't mean it's gonna work perfect and my battery will never die! lol it's still a 90 year old car.
I know have a much better understanding of how electric motor/generators work.
Hey beans that's an "atta-Boy" for sure.. thanks for sharing your knowledge.. Maybe young Daniel could learn a lesson from you to service his generator.
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Hey beans that's an "atta-Boy" for sure.. thanks for sharing your knowledge.. Maybe young Daniel could learn a lesson from you to service his generator.
I didn't catch Daniel's thread about his generator. But heres a good quick video I used to test the armature.
Well I'm getting output - but not enough. When the motor spun when I gave it power it spun very slow. So looks like I need to have another look. It's giving me output now and it's changing with the rpm's but very very low output!
Sorry if this progress is painful.. lol I'll get it eventually.
