Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2023/6/1 20:20:45

Tex, I'd really like to understand that. My mind says, I use so many watts with the headlights on, the generator has to replenish just that many watts, not more, because there are two batteries instead of one.

VOLTAGE REGULATOR: When i ground the Field terminal on the VR, the battery indicator shows it is charging, suggesting that the generator works, but the VR is bad. When the Field is re-connected, it wont charge.

I ordered a new VR from Brillman. I disconnected the battery and hooked it up. Before turning on the ignition, i re-connected the battery and touched the ARM to the BAT terminals. There was only the tiniest spark. When I turned onthe ignition and ran the engine, turned on the lights, there was no charge, just discharge.

I removed the VR and called Brillman. Their tech is out til Monday when I’ll call back, in the meantime they are sending a replacement in case this one is faulty.

I ordered one from NAPA, but it won't be here until Monday.

But something is wrong.

Last Saturday with the old non-functioning VR connected, i drove a friend's 4 family members all over Washington for 3 hours, no problems. But i wasn't using lights, radio or heater. The batteries fully charged (green light) overnight.

Using the manual and the ‘38-‘39 shop manual didnt help me much. The air gaps are way smaller on the VR than the specs in the manual, prob cuz i dont understand it.

After taking the VR off, i touched the wires intended for the VR BAT terminal to ground and had a nice strong spark, so battery is getting to the VR.

I tried to do a continuity test from the ARM wire to the ARM terminal on the generator, but there is continuity to it AND the Field terminal in the generator and the ground on the generator. Tomorrow I will disconnect both ends of the wires. Same with the VR Field wire. I just dont get it. Obviously.

I put the old non-functioning VR back on the car, so i can drive the car. Unlike the Brillman, I get a healthy spark ARM-BAT when I polarized the generator, so possibly the Brillman is bad, but it seems unlikely to me. MADE IN THE USA stamped on everywhere.

I dont want to wreck the new NAPA one.

Do you have any ideas?
Any tests or checks I can do that i might understand and report back? I'll take pix as I go.

I really need the help of someone who thinks logically, so I can proceed step-by-step. That's not my normal MO. Thanks for your help.