1961 not charging
I rebuilt my engine, generator, replaced voltage regulator but my gauge does not show any charging? I had the generator rechecked and it came back Ok and so did the voltage regulator. The only thing I see I can't explain is that the gauge shows charging while the key is in the starting position when I engage the starter to start the car but then goes back to no charging. I'm stumped. Any ideas? Thanks. terry Bowman
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Re: 1961 not charging
Do you have the ST-12? Did you polarize the voltage regulator? -
Re: 1961 not charging
Yes. I polarized the regulator and generator.Comment
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Re: 1961 not charging
no ST-12 either.Comment
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Re: 1961 not charging
Terry, It's telling me your ammeter is reverse wired. During Crank the meter should go negative. Also note the generator will not charge until at least at around 1200 RPM. If you raise idle above 1200, does the meter go Negative? If so it also confirms the meter is wired wrong.
Black wire from Bat+ should go to Ammeter post closest to Driver door. Red load wires go to Ammeter post closest to Pass door.
RichComment
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Re: 1961 not charging
I think Rich is right on track. Most GM-produced wiring diagrams have the 61-62 ammeter wiring backward.Comment
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Re: 1961 not charging
Setting the ammeter gauge issue aside for a moment, did you check directly across the battery terminals with a meter with the engine running and witness between 13.5 -14.5 volts? If not, there is a common grounding issue between the voltage regulator and the generator which i can describe how to easily troubleshoot. Jim O.Comment
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Re: 1961 not charging
Jim, How can I troubleshoot the common ground issue between the VR and generator?Comment
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Re: 1961 not charging
Hi Terry-There should be a braided sheath around the wires going from the body of the generator going down to one of the 2 screws holding the black cover of the VR to its base which is mounted to fiberglass. Because we do a great job of repainting that cover that ground is often weak. Take a jumper cable and connect from the steel BASE of the VR to a good chassis bolt on the frame nearby. With engine running see if you get that reading of 13.5-14.5 volts across the battery terminals with a hand-held meter. Then compare results if you remove that solid ground cable. JimComment
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Re: 1961 not charging
thanks! I appreciate the feedbackComment
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