Re: Generator question - negative current
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Webmaster
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Does the negative current reading change with engine rpm? If not then either your regulator is bad or generator isn't producing anything.
Go through the troubleshooting to check thr regulator and generator.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:31
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-BigKev
1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog 1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog |
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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Sounds like your battery is hooked up backwards if your ammeter reads positive current when it has a draw and vice versa. Double check this and go from there.
Some regulators only work for a single ground polarity, I don't know for yours.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:38
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry |
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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It seems to “bounce” around a bit when idling. Then, when I rev the engine, it becomes very stable, but at about the same current….always negative.
If it is wired backwards….is that just switching the terminals at the regulator? I know that the battery is connected properly. If anything is backwards, it would have to be at the regulator. I just don’t know enough (anything) about it.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:39
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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Regarding the regulator, I’guess I’m asking how to confirm which terminal is Battery and which terminal is Armature?
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:42
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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No don't do that. I mean, are you sure the positive post on the battery is connected to the ground strap? Rarely, batteries have contradictory labels. Either that or one of us is misunderstanding how the ammeter is to be read. As far as I know the convention is always that the needle leans left for discharge assuming the neutral point is straight up.
The wiring looks correct and good. You can assess the quality of the connections by taking the ohm / voltage drop measurements outlined in the 51-54 manual.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:43
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry |
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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Yes…battery is correct…positive ground.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:43
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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They are labeled on the regulator case, frame, or terminals. But it's also pretty standard for it to go BAT Arm Fld.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:45
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry |
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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When you turn on the lights with the engine off, the ammeter should show a discharge. (Needle swings left)
When you first start the car, at any speed above idle, the ammeter should show charge. (Needle swings right). Your regulator appears to be corroded inside, probably from having had moisture in it. It's very likely that the vibrator points are corroded and not making electrical contact. It may be possible to get it to work again by VERY GENTLY cleaning the points with fine emery cloth. The regulator is very delicate and won't stand any rough treatment. The external screw terminals, right next to the regulator case, are usually labeled BAT, ARM, and FLD. Yours appear to be so marked. I'd try cleaning the points, then polarize the generator using the correct procedure, and, after charging the battery, try running the car and see what happens.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:46
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Re: Generator question - negative current
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Home away from home
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My meter is reading opposite of all of that.
With the engine off, and the lights on, the needled swings right. With the car running, the needle swings left.
Posted on: 2023/11/15 19:51
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