Generator production changes and service replacements - What did Hudson do

m_mman

My car is a 1942 Commodore 8.

It has the original three brush generator and a two relay regulator. The charging system is not being consistent or reliable so I am working things out.

I have installed new brushers, bearing, cleaned armature. I have swapped 3 regulators (good used and one NOS) It still has problems. (possibly bad field windings - still messing with it)

In reading the Hollanders to get a list of replacement numbers for the generator and regulator, It says that Hudson used the 3 brush/2 relay set up until 1950.

There are notes however that there are 2 brush 3 relay replacement set ups that were used/recommended by Hudson as service replacements. Certainly there would be wiring changes.

Parts for the 3 brush - 2 relay are not common, but eBay has many listings for the 2 brush 3 relay set up.

Can somebody explain what was happening to the charging systems during the 40s to late 50s?

cchancel

http://hudsonterraplane.com/tech/other/1940-54BasicElectricalTroubleShooting.pdf

Try this link. The PDF explains a fair amount about the charging system.

m_mman

Thank you Nice explanation.

After much experimentation and advice from others I installed a ground wire from the regulator to the generator mounting. This increased to charging voltage from the low 6 volts to the mid to high 7 volts.

I still need to do some driving (headlights and heater blower) to prove that it is 100% but the test equipment shows an improvement.