Re: 1947 Super Clipper ammeter

Posted by HH56 On 2011/10/4 19:06:53

The regulator does need service at times. The contacts do take a considerable beating. Usually when cut out contacts fail, they weld shut.

The cut out relay is normally open. Residual magnetism in the generator is enough to start a slight voltage being generated as soon as it starts turning. When that voltage reaches a certain point, the cut out relay will pull in and connect the generator to the battery. Normal output and regulation can then start happening. Unless the engine slows way down at idle to drop voltage below the threshold, cutout will stay closed and connected pretty much until the engine is stopped. At normal speed and operation, the other two contacts will rapidly open and close to regulate voltage and current.

To substitute, you could put a test ammeter in series with the original. Disconnect the wire at the BAT terminal on regulator & connect it to the temporary ammeter. Connect the other ammeter terminal back to the BAT terminal. You may have to experiment & reverse temp ammeter wires to get the orientation right so it would read correctly. Then just a matter of comparing the two.