Generator Issues

[RustyFords]

I’m having generator issues and don’t really know where to start as I figure out what’s happening. Is there a book or YouTube video that y’all can recommend that’ll educate me on the generator and cutout?

[TWrenn]

The so called "black bible" does offer quite a bit of good info. Trouble is there's so many things that can and will go wrong with these, frankly in my not humble opinion send it off for an exchange or to one of the guys who does this all the time, you'd be better off. Wish I knew his name, wasn't long ago he posted a rash of em on a workbench offered for sale. That, or do what I did and forget the dang purism stuff and just slap on an alternator. 5 minute fix! I am soooo glad I put one on my Fordor it aint funny!

[TWrenn]

I’m having generator issues and don’t really know where to start as I figure out what’s happening. Is there a book or YouTube video that y’all can recommend that’ll educate me on the generator and cutout?

Or try this link. It's a 33 minute video so sit down with your coffee!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Psk4hK3gU

[Ron Patterson]

Don
I deal solely with Model T electrical issue and will be glad to help you.
Give me a call at 231-348-5085.
Ron Patterson

[TRDxB2]

Before you call Ron, read his instructions or have them handy, it will help with the note taking
here are links to them
https://modeltfordfix.com/the-model-t-f ... patterson/
https://modeltfordfix.com/adjusting-the ... patterson/

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Its always best to start the discussion with the symptoms, like battery not charging, then start the focus on a particular part. The symptoms need to be known to understand the potential cause.

[Norman Kling]

I do not recommend an alternator. I have seen more problems with alternators on tours than I have with generators. If your car is stock with a magneto, you can do as I did on one week long tour. The generator quit working. We did not tour at night, so I would start with crank and switch to magneto to drive on the tour and didn't fix the generator till we got home. The problem with the alternators is that they tend to overheat or the gear comes off. They are made to use a car with a belt and the fan is next to the belt which cools the alternator as it turns. When it is on the timing gear, it not only loses the fan but also receives heat from the engine. I have had good results with generators which I buy for low price at swap meets. Usually I can swap some parts and make one which works. Most common problems are with the brush plate which insulation breaks down where the 3rd brush adjustment is located. Or the brushes are worn out. Sometimes the commutator just needs to be cleaned up.
There is quite a bit of information in the booklet published by the club called, "Electrical System" I also recommend Ron Patterson. He knows what he talks about and has helped me in the past.
Norm

[OlGeezer]

When my generator acted up, I found this YouTube channel called "GeneratorGuru." They got videos explaining everything from basic troubleshooting to in-depth fixes.

[RustyFords]

Ron Patterson rebuilt my generator but I’ve never managed to to get it charge correctly

[RustyFords]

Don
I deal solely with Model T electrical issue and will be glad to help you.
Give me a call at 231-348-5085.
Ron Patterson

Hi Ron. You rebuilt this generator a few years ago. I’ve never managed to get it to charge correctly

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Don
I deal solely with Model T electrical issue and will be glad to help you.
Give me a call at 231-348-5085.
Ron Patterson

Hi Ron. You rebuilt this generator a few years ago. I’ve never managed to get it to charge correctly

All the more reason to give him a call.

[Humblej]

Don,
Ron has offered to help you with your charging problem and provided a number for you to call. I suggest you call him and talk directly with him rather than continue to post here that your generator will not charge.

[Adam]

Could be a battery problem too.

Call Ron and let him help you. It might be something that can be fixed over the phone.

[Moxie26]

Don..... You stated the generator was rebuilt a few years ago... Was it for a former owner of the vehicle or was it for you ? ..... The time frame with your problem seems to be very long before looking for a solution.... I had a problem with the fun projects voltage regulator, going to a few shows two counties over returning home. I needed to run with my headlights on... And I would let the engine cool down after I got home before I would put the car in the garage. The starter would not turn over due to a low battery and ended up hand cranking on magneto to restart and get the car in the garage for the evening.