1936 120 Charging / Regulator Question

Posted by Doug120B On 2011/4/29 13:23:32

I have a 1936 120 with the GBR Autolite Generator. The ammeter seems to stay pegged at 30A once the car is past idling. One person told me this is normal, that the device on top of the generator is an 'interrupter' not a regulator, and that it's only purpose is to stop current from flowing back into the generator when the car is turned off to prevent it from 'motoring'. The manual seems to indicate that it is a regulator. I'd appreciate any info on whether I have an interrupter or a regulator, and if it's an interrupter if there is something I can do to prevent overcharging (by adding a regulator?), and if it's a regulator, whether staying pegged at 30A indicates it may not be working correctly.