Gentlemen; I tried to start my M-38 with a 12 volt system today and found that the battery was dead. Apparently either the generator or voltage regulator is not working properly. The battery is new, so that's not the problem. I notice that when I put the headlights on, the voltage meter on the dash moves into the positive side of the gauge. Now, I also noticed that when I blow the horn with the headlights on it sounds very weak, but when I shut the headlights off the horn sounds loudly? Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Should I have the generator re-built?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions,
Dennis/New Jersey
I have a 12 volt Delco Generator with a 12 volt Delco mechanical regulator. I only started using the headlights lately and that is when I started having battery problems. When I restored the jeep, I cleaned and re-painted the generator but never tested it. I did polarize it when I put it back though! I did notice that when I put the headlights on, the voltage meter on the dash goes into the positive side by about 12 volts. I also did noticed that when the headlights are on, the horn sound is very low, then sounds loud after I shut the headlights off.
What do you think is wrong, generator, voltage regulator or both?
Gentlemen; I tried to start my M-38 with a 12 volt system today and found that the battery was dead. Apparently either the generator or voltage regulator is not working properly. The battery is new, so that's not the problem. I notice that when I put the headlights on, the voltage meter on the dash moves into the positive side of the gauge. Now, I also noticed that when I blow the horn with the headlights on it sounds very weak, but when I shut the headlights off the horn sounds loudly? Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Should I have the generator re-built? 
