Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

[John M.]

How do you polarize a 12VN Generator & Regulator? I know it is done, with the motor not running, at the Voltage Regulator between two of the three terminals by jumping (crossing) two of them with a jumper wire, which can be a short piece of electrical wire bared on each end, and making a closed contact between the two terminals for a very short tap tap and you're done. The three terminals in this case are on a 1119 002E 12VN Regulator with terminals stamp marked "F" (Field), "GEN" (Generator/Armature), "BAT" (Battery). I am confused as to which two terminals to cross? The Delco-Remy Voltage Regulator Service Bulletin 1R-118 says it is the GEN & BAT terminals. Other sources say it is the ARM & BAT (NCRS Archives) or F & BAT (on-line video) Which is correct???

Save the Wave ......... JGM

[Richard M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

John,

Whatever Video you saw is incorrect. GEN to BAT and ARM to BAT is the same because GEN(VR) = ARM(GEN)

To Polarize the Generator at the Voltage Regulator use BAT and GEN(Armature). When the VR is mounted in it's stock position on the right inner skirt, momentarily connect the jumper from the center GEN terminal to the lower most terminal, BAT. The VR GEN terminal is wired to the A terminal on the generator. You will get a short spark when doing this.

It is often difficult to see what you're doing with the fresh air hose in place. You could also do it with a longer jumper between the battery POS+ terminal and the A terminal stud on the Generator.

See last paragraph of the GENERATOR topic here....

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/electrical/UM300/cc10.htm

Rich

[John M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

Rich,

Thanks for your reply, but I need some clarification on a few things.

What do you mean when you state GEN(VR) = ARM(GEN) ? Can you spell out what you mean here? I think (GEN) means GENerator and ARM means ARMature, but does (VR) mean Voltage Regulator? If so, aren't GEN & (VR) separate component parts of the electrical system and ARM & (GEN) one component part?

On my 002E voltage regulator the middle terminal is the GEN terminal, the lower terminal is the BAT terminal and the F terminal is the top terminal. This is orientated so the top of the regulator is the end with the single attaching point and grommet and also the end with the part number and date. Do you by chance have the terminals mixed up in your post?

Save the Wave ............. JGM

[Richard M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

John,

Yes....
GEN is Generator

VR is Voltage Regulator

ARM is Armature(the rotating part inside the generator with the round contactors that the brushes connect to) Most generators have a stamped "A" at the terminal stud, the other a "F" for FIELD which is the fixed coil in the generator

BAT is the 12 volt feed in the harness from the battery(via Ammeter circuit)

Yes GEN and VR are 2 separate items. When I said.....

GEN(VR) = ARM(GEN)

My meaning is the GEN terminal on the voltage regulator is wired to ARM or "A" terminal on the Generator in the wiring harness.

And yes I had the 2 VR terminals backwards, by memory and had a 50-50 chance and got it wrong, as usual. BAT is the lower, GEN is the middle. I'll fix that in my post. Sorry for that confusion.

Rich

[John M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

Rich,

Thanks for clearing thigs up for me. As far as forgetting the VR terminal order and taking a 50/50 shot at it I totally understand, been there, done that, and probably will do it again. Ever play Minesweeper and only have a guess left for a free spot? BOOOOOM! A good lesson to not bet the farm!

Save the Wave .............. JGM

[Richard M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

Glad to....

Minesweeper? Probably, but I recall in Atlantic City years ago at the Roulette Table playing RED or BLACK only(50-50 even money, or so I thought)....

and the GREEN 0 or 00 would come up quite often!

[Frank D.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

Its funny, one of the regulators I dealt with in the past actually had the polarization instructions on the cover. Don't remember seeing that before or since.

[Richard M.]

Re: Polarizing Generator and Voltage Regulator

Ahhh Frank, I think I have that saved. I should've looked at that before!

Rich