'49 Hudson charging system woes

Hudsonrules
Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
:confused::eek:My '49 Hudson Super "6" is having charging system issues. To be with, the system worked fine, then I did a valve job, changed the manifold, pulled the radiator and generator and battery cables. It took awhile to get the car back together and the generator was not working right away. Had it rebuilt by a shop, installed it, polarized it, red light still on. Checked the generator for charging and it was working. replaced the regulator and still no work. Put on another regulator and the light would stay on with the key off. Took the car to the shop, and again the generator works fine but still no charge. Put on a brand new Hudson voltage regulator and still the light stays on, yes the system has been polarised. The light is off when the engine is off. However it stays on when running. For some reason, nothing is getting into or out of the regulator. Possible short? Where to begin looking? Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks, Arnie in Nevada

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Have you check all related wiring and fan belt tension?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Sounds Like Ground Strap To Motor Doesn't Have Good Connection.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Ken U-Tx wrote:
    Make sure your ARM & FIELD wires are not grounding out anywhere. If they are, the dash light will stay on when engine is running and generator will not charge since the field windings will not be energized with either wire grounded out.



    I hate to contradict my good friend Ken, but if the Field wire is grounded on these Auto-Lite systems, it bypasses the voltage regulator's "regulating section." Unregulated, the generator will produce excessive voltage (and thus current) if the engine speed is much above idle. That would make the GEN light go out, but then would start blowing bulbs and/or overheating wires. If the ARM wire were grounded and everything else were OK, that ARM wire would get mighty hot in a hurry. You'd see it smoking or smell it.



    Was the generator or its mounting bracket freshly painted? If so, maybe the generator's not grounded to the engine.
  • russmaas
    russmaas Senior Contributor
    Does the lite go out when you rev up the motor?
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Good question, Russ ... let's not overlook the basics!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    switched to single wire 12 V alternator, easy to do and far less trouble.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    I have one of each, Jim, and enjoy the benefits of 12v on the air-conditioned Hornet. But let's not discourage the folks who'd like to keep it original, for whatever reason.
  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    :)Thanks for all the advice and idea's on this problem. I am sure that there is a grounding issue somewhere. But to be safe, going to rewire the gen to regulator and the amp light. I should have gone the one wire alternator and switched to 12volt, it would have been easier and less costly. Live and learn. Is it possible that a bad ignition switch could be the problem? Just an idea. Thanks,, Arnie in Nevada
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Arnie, rewiring or at least checking the wire to the "T" terminal on the VR is a good idea, since, if that wire is frayed and touching ground anywhere, the GEN light's going to stay on when the ignition's on, whether the generator's charging or not.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    If you should give up on the original system and opt for a 12 volt system(which I recommend you keep original if you can), Don't use a one wire alternator. Use the standard three wire GM alternator so you can use the "gen" light. Otherwise, you will have to install a voltmeter or ammeter to monitor it. I think park has posted the wiring for the setup. Perhaps on Dave Sollon's site. It's easy and the altenator is cheaper and available at all auto parts stores. Sometimes the alternator will have a wireing diagram enclosed to aid in troubleshooting.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Good point SuperDave, now that you mention it that is what I did and the gen light works as it should..
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