Re: Unidentified engine noise?

Posted by HH56 On 2009/4/9 11:32:17

The regulator appears correct. The left contact is the cutout and disconnects battery from generator when engine not running so should be open. The other two are current and voltage and will be closed until generator starts producing. Then they will both open and close rapidly to keep generator within spec.

If the contacts look very discolored (burned) or very rough and have bits of metal (pitting) on contacts, then there is the potential for sticking but not something you would ordinarily see was happening just by looking at it--unless you pushed on contact and it actually was stuck. The symptom you would see if they did stick would be in operation, the amp meter would suddenly spike to maximum and stay there when running or worse, you would see or smell smoke--during operation or if cutout stuck, when engine turned off..

There is adjustment info on the starter in electrical section of SM. Most important is when solenoid released and spring pushes plunger out, everything moves freely and the gear mechanism is all the way to back. If solenoid is cocked, there may be binding. When solenoid engaged, there needs to be the specified clearance at end so no damage is done when pinion slams forward.