MTFCA Forum

I purchased a 1927 roadster pickup in December.
I had coils rebuilt and installed new New Day Timer, spark plugs and new carburetor. Runs better on 6 v battery that mag. I was experimenting and disconnected the battery while running on battery and T kept running. T stopped running when I turned lights on. I have a battery disconnect by the starter switch and it is wired so that the battery is completely isolated. Should the T stop running as soon as the battery is disconnected when running on battery?

If your T has a generator and the motor is running fast enough to make some electricity, the engine will continue to run and soon may burn out your generator.

When you turned on the lights, you did not have ample current to operate them, so the voltage dropped and your engine stopped.

Don't do that again!!!! When you run the engine with the battery disconnected, you increase the voltage in the generator until it burns out. Generators are expensive! This also applies if you have a fuse in the electrical system. If the fuse blows between the generator and battery same will happen. The type generator system on a Model T uses the battery as a voltage regulator. You were also fortunate that you didn't burn out the headlights.
Norm

Thanks for the fast response.
Now I do not need to chase down a ghost.
Great knowledge on this forum.

Thanks again
Phillip