charging problems...

[Lang]

David,

What about starting at the generator to take each element standing alone. The raw output from the generator should be well over 20 volts. If that is OK it should eliminate the generator and direct attention to the voltage regulator?

Lang

[Lynn Eades]

Svenn, if you drop the belt off, and then supply power to the big terminal, the genny should run as an electric motor. If it will do this, I would clean the contacts in the regulator.
"Motoring" the generator, is a quick way to check it's overall condition. If it won't "motor", then it needs work. If it does, then it's likely the regulator.
A quick way to check if anything is happening is to turn on the headlights. if you then start the engine, with a few revs on, the lights are generally are brighter, because the voltage has risen above battery voltage.

[motto]

Lang

I did a simple check on the generator and it came up ok.This consisted of dropping off the fan belt and pushing the reverse current relay points closed. This is the double set of points in the regulator. Do this and the generator should motor over in the normal direction of rotation. All is good so there must be a glitch (technical term) in the regulator. What this may be I don't know. Faulty resistor perhaps?

Dave

[Lang]

Dave,

Are you 6v or 12v?

If you are 12v there are some fantastic solid state regulators that work with both generator or alternator. About the size of a matchbox so will fit inside the old regulator cover. I don't know enough about them but maybe also available for 6v?

Lang

[motto]

The truck is still on 6 Volts Lang.

Dammit, the thing's been good for 70 years. If I can get it sorted it should see me out.

David

[Lang]

How far do you drive these days? Just carry a spare battery to see you through the day!
Lang

[motto]

Funny you should mention that. I have been carrying a spare battery and jumper leads in one of the side compartments since the problem arose.
I haven't needed them yet because when it appears the thing is not going to work at all, for no apparent reason the genny will come on line and behave normally for the rest of that segment?
Next start and the game's on again. Whatever's wrong it's got to br quite minor.

Dave

[motto]

We seem to have tapped the limits of expertise available on the forum Svenn.

Any progress?

David