I have a generator that is not charging. I have taken it apart and do not see any obvious problems. How do I go about checking it out to find the problem? The car is a stock 1922 roadster. The amp gauge appears to be working as it does show discharge when the lights are on. I've checked the battery voltage running and not running and it is the same.
I'm pretty much an electrical dummy, but I fixed mine using the MTFCA Electrical System book. I have to go now, but I expect somebody more expert will explain what to do. I really do recommend the book, though.
The Ford service manual and the MTFCA electrical can walk you through it.
You can do it and like many others you can to. If I can you can too.
Learning by doing and using the above manuals will help you a lot.
A good thing to do is polarize the generator. Take a jumper wire and strike it from the battery terminal on the cutout to the armature terminal. If it starts working, no need to go any further. If it doesn't work take that same jumper wire and jumper the cutout. (this step is done while the engine is running) If it shows charge then the cutout is at fault and needs to be replaced or repaired. If it shows discharge the generator isn't working, and needs to be serviced.
Gary
In taking your generator apart you have disrupted assembly and test settings that must not be reset and then tested.
At this point no amount of fiddling will help unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing.
Give me a call tomorrow after 2PM when I am in the shop and we can discuss. If necessary I live only 90 miles from you in Nicholasville, Ky perhaps you can visit and we take a look together.
Just a word of warning to calibrate your visit expectations, 90+ year old Model T generators usually have 6- 7 faults needing repair. I have no silver bullets in my shop.
Ron (the Coilman) Patterson
859-881-1677
Thanks to all of you for your input. I do have a Service Manual, but not the MTFCA electrical. Ron I may take you up on a visit, and may give you a call tomorrow.
Gary