Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

[David D.]

Just had a friends Generator rebuilt for his '60. The guy mentioned to the person who picked it up, that there is a need to polarize it before hooking everything up.

Not to sound stupid, but how does one go about polarizing it, and what is the reasoning for having to do this?

Thanks in Advance,
David

[David T.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

From John Pirkles web site.

Polarizing

Why: To insure the direction of current flow is to the battery. Incorrect current flow will add the voltages of the generator and battery, and give approximately double voltage across the points of the cutout relay in the regulator. The result: rundown battery, burned or welded together points, and a burnt armature.

When: Anytime battery voltage is removed from the generator; after repair, removal for testing, battery replacement, or use of battery cutoff switch.

How: By connecting jumper lead from hot side of battery to the armature (connecting battery terminal of reg to "A" or "G" terminal). A flash or arc is a normal occurrence during this process.

Some System Guidelines (Do's and Don'ts)
1. Do make sure all electrical connections are clean.
2. Do ensure all ground connections are made.
3. Do keep battery tops/cable ends clean.
4. Do disconnect battery whenever removing/installing electrical components.
5. Do Not charge your battery with the cables connected.
6. Do Not use your generator OR alternator to charge your dead battery.
7. Do Not connect the black cable to negative if you have spring ring battery cables.
8. Do Not test your charging system by removing a battery cable while the vehicle is running.

[John F.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

Why do we make this so complicated. My old mentor mechanic in the early 60's taught us to just take a screwdriver and touch the two terminals on the voltage regulator. Aove makes it sound like you need to connect the terminals together by a wire. On my old 55 Ford you just took a long handle screwdriver across the battery.

[Mike B.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

And to add to the point, whether you use a screwdriver or piece of wire, only BRIEFLY touch the two posts together. Do not create a hard connection or you will be reaching for the fire extinguisher!

[Terry D.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

John
There's nothing difficult about the procedure, but at least on my 62 it's easier to use a wire than try to get a screwdriver down there. Also I've seen guys get the screwdriver stuck between the terminals and that can cause major problems. I know we did a lot of things back in the 60's that today would be frowned upon.
Terry

[David D.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

Thanks everyone....we got her re-installed and polarized as described. Everything looks and checks out good now.

Now we need to move over to the 'other' 60 and figure whats wrong with the voltage regulator.

Any advice where to find best check out procedure for this little darling?

David

[David T.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

Hi David,

If the charging system is working correctly on one '60, I'd first compare and check connections at the generator and the regulator at Vette 1 and Vette 2. If they're ok, I would consider substituting the known good regulator for the one on the second Vette. If the problem goes away you need a regulator. If not, substitute the generator. If the problem still exists it's probably in the wiring of the charging circuit. Assuming your ammeter is working, you can use it to diagnose the output. Good Luck.

[Steve A.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

how do you test the battery/generator to see if it needs to be repolarized?

[Domenic T.]

Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

I hate to say this but I only polorize when changing a gen or reg.

My shop equipment (tug and forklift) has generators. I charge and change batteries without re-polorizing and leave the cables on. I even measured the voltage with the battery cables off. The generator will generate around 100 volts when not connected to anything.

The generator is bullet proof and has thick wires that when not shorted will take what the battery dishes out. After all the generator is a electric motor and that is how they are tested, by running them as a motor hooking positive and negative to them.

Yes mine are delco and of the same era. Back in the days of generators every mistake was made at least once and they survived. Alternators are more touchy but generators are work horses that can take a beating.

It's worked OK for years and we use them to jump start every thing from trucks to planes.

The easy way to polorize was explained and can be found in any old manual or regulator instruction sheet.

Just make sure you don't drop the heavy thing.

DOM