generator light

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I have been driving my Jet about once or twice a week to work, I almost feel guilty because I don't want to wear it out, :rolleyes: But anyway, When I have the lights on and I am driving 50 to 60 MPH, the generator light has a slight glow of red. The lights are not dim and everything works fine, I cleaned the generator and put new brushes in it. Is this normal or do I have some type of charging problem?? It has nevered failed to start.:confused:



Thanks, Barry Smedley

53' Super Jet

And a bunch of Crosley's:eek:

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Check to make sure all of your electrical connections are tight and free of corrosion. Then, check the fan belt.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    The generator light is grounded through the armature, hence hwne the generator starts charging the output cancels out the battery voltage. If the light is glowing, it indicates a voltage difference between the battery and the generator. This could be, as advised by Dave, just dirty connections, or resistance in the wiring. You need to check the generator output with an analog meter, at the "A" terminal, it should be 7.2 - 7.4 volts with the engine revving and the lights on. If it is at this level, don't worry about it.

    Geoff.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Barry, a slight glow under those circumstances is normal. One side of the Gen light is connected to the ARM terminal of the Voltage Regulator (VR). The other side connects to the ignition switch, which is powered from a main circuit breaker under the dash which gets power from the battery. If several things feeding from that breaker or the ignition switch are operating (such as headlights, heater, etc.), the voltage at the ignition switch is pulled down a little, so there's a slight difference between the voltage there and down at the ARM terminal of the VR. That slight voltage difference is what causes the Gen light to glow slightly. Another cause can be bad contacts on the "cutout relay" in the VR, or crummy connections at the VR. Any voltage loss in these places will be "felt" by the Gen light as well.
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    OK Generator Gurus....



    If the voltage at the generator reads 6.6, and at the regulator arm terminal 6.6, and the light is out after being on all this time, what gives?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks guys, It is not a real problem right now, so I am going to keep an eye on it and let it slide for a while. Thanks for the info!



    Barry Smedley

    53' Super Jet

    and a bunch of Crosley's
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Hudson G'paw, can you describe your problem a bit more fully? Not enough info above to make any suggestions.
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    Up until about 2 weeks ago I had an Amp light on in the dash when I turned the key. Once engine running light off. Now when I turn the key no amp light, just oil. Check with meter at generator 6.6 volts. Check the Arm to ground on Voltage Reg, 6.6. Should be more but I'll take what I can get. Am running an 8 volt battery but I doubt it ever gets charged to 8 volts, as I have to top it off all the time. Could that have burned out the lamp?
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    If you have 6 volts at the lamp, and it's not glowing, the bulb is blown. If you have an 8 volt abttery you will have to boot the charge rate up to at least 9 volts to keep it charged, and this may lead to blown bulbs.

    Geoff.
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    thanx Geoff:



    Thats how I figure it. And that bulb is a booger to get to.
  • Sarah Young
    Sarah Young Senior Contributor
    Barry,

    The electrical system is positive grounded and whenever a generator is installed or reinstalled on the engine it should be polarized with the battery to prevent burning of regulator contact points and damage to the electrical units.



    Per mechanical manual, to polarize the generator, ground the field terminal to the frame and touch the armature lead briefly to negative terminal of the battery.
  • hudson1948
    hudson1948 Member
    Back in the 70's I was using a Jet for everyday use. I had the same problem. What I found was a bare wire behind the dash by the amp light, After I taped it up the light stayed out. Maybe this helps.
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