It looks like my cut-out died. Should I replace with new cut-out or go to a voltage regulator? When I jump the cut-out she charges fine, even after removing the jumper wire. When I restart the car it won,t charge until I jump it.
Get the VR
VR's make the battery last A LOT longer.
And probably your generator too.
Bill
I agree about getting a FunProjects VR.
You could have a defective cutout, but you may also have a generator that is not able to start charging (build up) on it's own when the engine first starts to run. When you jump across the cutout it will help the generator to start charging.
Give me a call if you run into trouble.
Ron the Coilman
859-881-1677
I agree with Ron that I think you have a Generator issue. Too much leakage inside the generator is "bleeding off the initial current" and preventing your generator from starting. Forcing the cutout closed mechanically or adding a jumper wire to a diode type cutout will cause the field windings to be powered from the battery and that will make the generator start and it will work until you stop it and restart. If you are using a diode cutout then it isn't defective most likely. Mechanical cutouts if not defective now will soon enough be defective and they are nasty at ruining both generator and battery before they are replaced. I make the voltage regulator but even if you don't get one of those - get at least a good diode cutout on the generator before you burn up its windings which is rather easy to do.