C1 stopped charging

[Richard P.]

My '61 would not go to the"+" side of the ammeter tonight. It has about 100 miles on a new voltage regulator and newly rebuilt generator. It has been working perfectly until tonight. I don't think its a short in the wiring because the drain while driving with the headlights on is about the same(-15) as with the lights on and the engine stopped. Is there a way to test the generator and voltage regulator in the car? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 stopped charging

It sounds like you may have a stuck contact in the regulator.
With the car running tap the regulator case with a screwdriver handle and see if the ammmeter moves to the plus side.
If there is a change on the ammeter then the regulator will need some attention.
Good luck.

[Jim D.]

Re: C1 stopped charging

The easiest and best way to check output AND rule out the volt. reg. is to disconnect all the wires from the generator, hook a volt meter to the arm. terminal and start the car. You should have between 2-6 volts. Now ground the field terminal and you should get over 15 volts when you rev. the engine. If you do, you have a bad regulator. If you don't, you have a bad generator. Simple as that.

[Jerry W.]

Re: C1 stopped charging

Check for stiuck communtator brushes in generator. It may also be necessary to "polerize" the generator.

[Richard P.]

Re: C1 stopped charging

Thanks guys. The problem "healed" itself. I guess it must have been a stuck contact. I have printed this thread for future use if the problem returns.