52 HH charging question

[Deleted User]

my car has not been charging so I checked the battery it's good, checked the generator it seems to be charging I changed out the votltage regulator and polarized it and it still is not charging, am I missing something with the polarizing or something else being a positive ground engine could that be an issue would love any help in this matter thanks Jeff

lostmind

You need to give more details. You checked the generator how? Is it showing over 7 volts on a voltmeter? Did you charge the battery and then load test it?
The generator gets polarized, the regulator needs to match the polarity of the vehicle.
Is the gen light on when car is running?

[Deleted User]

A growler was used to test the generator it;s in good shape i'm not sure what the voltage was the battery has a full charge and the load test was positive. I polarized the generator and the voltage regulator but I still show no charge. I think I have everything hooked up right. i did buy a new voltage regulator and installed it. do you have to polarize both the generator and voltage regulator.

[Deleted User]

If Im not mistaken a growler only checks for grounded coils. You may have bad brush's in there . You need to check it for output Or disconnect it (the belt and wires) . Use a jumper wire and touch 6-volt to the terminal ( battery negative if you are still positive ground) . And it should run like a motor if its good.
Simple test you can do with no special tools ,
Roger

[Deleted User]

I might ad its very common to find broken wires at the generator due to movement . Feel
them carefully or test them with a ohm meter,
Roger

[Deleted User]

I did the motor test roger and it did run ok.is there a way to test the voltage regulator to make sure it is ok, I have tried using the old one and I get the same results also how can I test the voltage of the generator I have a volt meter. jeff

[Deleted User]

Well Jeff that leaves the wires from generator to regulator or the regulator itself.
Now you never elaborated on you exact problem .What did you mean you show no charge ? Is the red dash light on ,are the headlights to dim, is the battery dead when you go out to start it ?
Roger

lostmind

see post number 2

[Deleted User]

With the new regulator installed the red amp light is on when I close the contact for the batt. terminal in the regulator the light goes out . my battery is fully charged and the generator is charging does this help? jeff

lostmind

Jeff , sounds like you have a wiring problem from the generator to regulator.
Check the continuity of each wire from the end at the regulator to the end at the generator.
Use an ohm meter. Check the ground wires at both the regulator and generator.
Older cars have a common problem with the ground circuits.
I had a reoccurring problem , and I just made up a new harness from generator to regulator.
Pretty easy , only three wires,
Is it possible that you switched the arm and fld wires at the regulator the first time around?
Happens a lot.
Good luck

RonS

Otto does the regulator have a good ground? Take a jumper from the ground post on the battery to the regulator base. Sometimes paint acts as an insulator. Please let us know what solves the problem.

[Deleted User]

You may even need to check the wires to the generator under load. You can do this with your volt meter by placing one lead at each end of the wire with engine running.
You should see lo voltage ,if you read say 5-6 volts you have a bad wire or terminal.
Roger

Park_W

And please don't press the regulator cutout contacts together again. Ever. Can cause serious problems under some conditions, and it proves nothing . . . the Gen light will go out when you do that regardless of what the generator's doing.

Lee ODell

I finally threw up my hands and gave up on the generator/regulator system on my 52 Hornet and changed over to 6 Volt alternator with internal regulator. End of problems with a much improved headlight illumination and brighter dash lights. I can see how fast I'm driving at night now.

Changing to alternator was alot less expensive than a rebuilt generator.

Lee O'Dell