More Generator woes...

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:36 am

My generator (25 amp) just decided to start overcharging. Scenerio: started in the evening, turned on lights, when the RPM's came up, belts squealing. Generator got warm. Pulled generator apart and inspected seems to be OK, replaced bearings.

Would the best bet be to try another transistorized regulator or go to an original style mechanical?

Can a mechanical one be found?

Are there any other causes for overcharge other than the regulator? Batteries are newer and in great shape.

Thanks,
Greg

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:25 am

I would suspect the regulator but I would confirm the connecting cable has no shorts between the A & C (Armature) wires and the B (Field) wire.

Yes there are mechanical regulators out there. This is the problem with the transistor regulators. There is no available technical data to repair them with. The mechanical regulator has the advantage of having data and parts available and in most cases all that is ever needed is a cleaning and/or minor adjustment of points.

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 7:26 am

If I can pick up a mechanical regulator, will the installed voltmeter work, or will it need to be converted back to an ammeter?

I'll do some more checking on the output of the genny before I go too far.

Thanks,
Greg

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:43 pm

You can use the volt meter with the mechanical regulator. It is best to ensure the voltmeter 's plus side is connected to the #27 instrument power spider wire and not 8 or 9 that the ammeter was connected to. 8 & 9 should be deadended or capped off.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:48 pm

I have an untested delco-remmy mechanical volt regulator if you are interested.

Ryan

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:58 am

Ryan: I'll send you a PM.

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:00 am

I checked the voltage:

not running, 25.4 volts

running revved up, 33.5 volts!

So she's hot!

I also checked the ABC cable to the regulator and there doesn't seem to be any shorts. Continuity is fine.

Greg V.

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:08 am

Still looking for a regulator. Ryan couldn't locate the one he has.

Thanks
Greg V.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:10 pm

Greg,

Sorry about that. I still cannot find it. I gave some stuff away a few months before I deployed and it must have been with that stuff.

BillF has one for sale (an autolite) off of his M38 he is parting out. See the for sale section.

sergeantfirkus · Post by **sergeantfirkus** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 3:28 pm

Ryan found one the one he had and offered to check it for me. Hopefully that will be the solution. Thank you Ryan.

Greg