300w Charging Set Problems

[James D Teel II]

I have this 1941 dated Charging Set, 300w, Mk 1 that I restored last year. It starts first time, every time, with the pull rope, but won’t start if I hook it up to a battery. It is also now showing that it’s only putting out around .2 or so volts when I test it with my voltmeter. I’ve only run the unit maybe an hour in total since the restoration. I need a place to start looking so that I can troubleshoot this thing. Thanks.

Edited to add a video link to my original output test.
https://youtu.be/tVPG2T4xxJs

[Jordan Baker]

Your problems will be on the generator or control box side, not the engine side of things. I’d check the little switch inside the control box that changes it from generator to starter. Off the top of my head I can’t think of it’s proper name.

[James D Teel II]

Thanks. That’s a good place to start. Do you have a manual for the generator side of the house?

[James D Teel II]

Are you talking about the automatic cutout? Photo courtesy of Jacques Fortin.

[Jordan Baker]

Yes. I’d check that to start. There isn’t much to go wrong in them

[Mike Kelly]

Hi James

Have you tried connecting a load i.e. a car battery or a older 12V Car headlight ?

The cutout contacts might be sticky or dirty.

You can use your multimeter to check the field coils for continuity.

The rheostat ( control knob ) winding might need cleaning as well.

A aerosol can of electrical cleaner sprayed into the cutout and rheostat is a good start. No need to pull things apart to begin with.