54 voltage reg.

[Brad H.]

Is there any quick way to tell if volt reg is charging without taking things apart or having speciality testers? Also will a battery recharge completely by idling and or how long of a drive to do the same? Thanks, Brad.

[Mike M.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

to test the charging system, start the car then quickly remove then re-attach a battery cable. if the engine continues to run with the battery cable removed from the battery, there is enough voltage to fire the points. if the engine dies, the system isn't charging(could be the generator, volt. reg or the wiring of the charging system). don't allow the engine to run, if it does, too long. mike

[Jack H.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

Generators have what's known as a 'cut-through' profile. That refers to a a curve rising from ZERO amp output to a plateau representing the max rated output current of the generation that changes with engine RPM.

In general, you get little/no charging current until the engine is spinning the generator WAY above the engine's curb idle RPM. Figure, you need to be at/above 1400 RPM for the generator to supply appreciable charging current...

THEN, the run time necessary to fully charge the battery is going to be a VARIABLE. How low on charge was the battery originally? At what speed did you run the engine during the charging period? What other electrical branch circuits were active (drawing/depleting charging current) during the charging period?

Bottom line, there really isn't a single charging time number you can hang your hat on. But, suffice it to say, just letting the car sit running at curb idle will NOT recharge your battery!

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

Thanks guys for the info., new knowledge is always helpful, any quick carb adjustments to help sidedrafts start quicker on 54? Brad.

[John P.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

Delco Pamplet 62-ST-8 "CAUTION Never open the charging system circuit or disconnect and connect wires and test equipment when the engine is running.An extremely high voltage will result and cause serious internal damage to charging system components." The damage occurs most often when you reconnect the battery cable. If you turn the engine off,THEN reconnect,you don't cause the voltage to spike(Don't forget to polarize).In the case of an alternator,the test has NO validity,as an alternator has to have an exciting voltage from the battery to function properly.

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

john, so removing a cable quickly and then back on again to see if engine dies is still not good? what dictates when you need to polorize and how, at gen or volt reg? Thanks, Brad.

[John P.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

As the Delco pamplet states,it's not the best idea."By the book",you polarize everytime the battery is removed from the charging circuit.(That is heavy on the side of careful.I don't know of anyone thats had a problem not polarizing when using a battery cutouff switch.) Polarizing is done at the regulator.Connect a jumper lead from the"B"(battery)terminal of the regulator to the "A" or "G" terminal.A small flash or arc is normal during this process.

[Brad H.]

Re: 54 voltage reg.

Have never heard of polorizing everytime a battery is changed, thought that was done only when installing a new regulator, can anything be harmed by doing this if it does not need it and how to tell?, does anything unfasten at reg first before polorize?, or just jump B to A or G? either and or on A or G or some have an A or a G? Yes, I do need educated on the charge system. Thanks for your time, Brad.