Charge problem

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hello HET forum members,

I have a serious problem with my Hudson Super 6 Coupe of 1950. My battery isn't being charged anymore although the generator seems to be fine. The voltage is rather low I think, 6,7 Volt output. The overdrive which I have on the threespeed gearbox isn't working either. The car have been in the barn for about two years because of having brake problems. I have solved these at the end but now I am confrontated with this electrical problem which wasn't there when I put the Hudson in the barn two years ago. Is the regulator giving me problems or the generator or..... ? I opened up the regulator but that looked fine too. It was clean , no rust or oxidation on that.

Because of living in the Netherlands / Europe with only 15 post-war Hudsons, spares are very rare overhere ( to exchange parts and try out what is causing the problem). So that's why I try this forum to get some experienced help ? Anyone ?

Kind regards,

Hans Hudson Altena
The Netherlands / Europe

Comments

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Your overdrive problem is related to the no-charge, as the relay is energised from the A terminal of the generator, so if the generator is not charging the overdrive will not cut in. To check your generator, remove the fan belt, take off the lid of the regulator, ground the Field terminal, and manually close the cut-out points. The generator should revolve slowly. If you can hook up an ammeter between the A terminal and ground it should read about 4.5 amps. If the generator does not turn it is most likely worn brushes, but you will need to go to an auto electrician if this is not the case. Good luck,
    Geoff
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hi Geoff,

    Just great. Thanks for your quick reply. I will test the generator as said one of these upcoming days. And waht if the generator does have 4,5 amps charge ? Is it the regulator than causing troubles ?

    Regards,

    Hans
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Yes, it will most likely be the regulator. It may just be dirty points. Try folding a small piece of 600 grit sandpaper and wiping between each set of contacts in the regulator. If this works, then you may need to check the voltage setting. This should be 7.2 to 7.5 volts with a volt meter connected from the A terminal to ground, at 1,500 r.p.m. with the headlamps on. Also you may need to check that you have correct battery polarity. It should be positive ground. If connected negative ground the voltage coil points will burn out. If the battery is reversed you have to re-polarise the generator by momentarily connecting the B and A terminals on the regulator.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hi Geoff,

    I saw your the NZ technical advisor, so I have another item which I like to ask you and causes me troubles because I cann't remember if it's normal when I was driving the car a couple of years ago. I replaced my water pump recently by a new one because the old started leaking right after restarting the engine (after two years). But when I drive my car for about 30 miles and have to wait for a traffic light the temperature gauge meter goes up above the middle where it normally is when driving the car (it goes to 3/4 !). Is that OK ? When I stop the car afterwards the gauge meter goes up to High temperature immediately. Thing is that the engine has been standing for about 1 year without coolant because my radiator was leaking too. Would that have damaged the temperature sensor maybe ?

    Kind regards,

    Hans Hudson Altena
    The Netherlands
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hi Geoff,

    I have measured the output of my generator today and it stays at 6,5 Volt at any engine speed with lamps on or off !! And the question is then is just replacing the brushes satisfing or does it need an overhaul ?

    Thxs Hans
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Hans, if the engine isn't using water, I wouldn't worry about the temperature rise when idling. As to the generator, if the brushes are worn out, then replace them and see if it works. If the brushes look okay try cleaning the regulator points first. Good luck.
    Geoff
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hi Geoff,

    Thanks for your quick reply again. Just superb. Ok thanks for the cooling advise. No it isn't using water, I already checked that, being afraid of leaks in the engine. I will see to replace the brushes of the generator first (if I can get these overhere... ?) I'll keep you informed !

    thxs hans
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hi Geoff,

    One last request. Can you point out on the enclosed picture which pin is the field and arm terminal. We replaced the wiring and can have made a mistake of course. On this generator no sign is stamped in like in older generators were and F is visible for the field connector.

    Kind regards, Hans
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    The larger stud, nearest the screw is the A terminal. There should also be a ground wire from the screw to the base of the regulator.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Well, maybe this solves my problem because than my wiring is connected the wrong way around. Now the F terminal is connected to the larger stud.

    Thxs, Hans
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I will ground the genrator too of course. :-)

    Hans
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