Got an electrical question...

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
User avatar

Topic author
VowellArt
Posts: 579
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:44 am
First Name: Martynn
Last Name: Vowell
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Touring, th "Lady"
Location: Sylmar, Commiefornia
Board Member Since: 2012
Contact:

Got an electrical question...

Post by VowellArt » Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:54 pm

I've been working on my T lately, getting it ready to make a longish trip to a friends house. When I started it this afternoon to take it for short test drive after readjusting the brakes and resetting the timing a bit. Starts fine, but the generator is showing about 8 amps of charge, not really a problem, but perhaps a bit more than needed, anyhoo, whilst driving about, everything seemed normal, even the ammeter went down to normal. Get home, drive into the garage, turn the key off and bloody ammeter is showing a 15 amp discharge. I immediately suspect the bloody cutout, so I tear up the hood and feel the cutout thinking it to be hot, but it is cool, even the generator is cool to the touch, but the meter is still showing discharge, I test the lights, they're working run round the car to make sure none of my tail and or brake lights are on (they weren't), then I disconnect the cutout and of course the ammeter returns to 0.

Next I start checking my wiring, everything for the switch to the block on the firewall, nothing seems amiss, so I ask you folks, have I missed something? What else should I check? I know I need to readjust the generator, I think the charge rate is a bit too high, but other than that what else have I not done...I'm stumped. :?
Fun never quits!


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6523
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919
Location: not near anywhere, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Got an electrical question...

Post by Scott_Conger » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:09 pm

Evidence points to stuck cut-out points. The discharge was the battery trying to "motor" the generator. It will take much longer than you gave it to heat up the cut-out or generator, though it would have eventually killed the battery.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured

User avatar

Topic author
VowellArt
Posts: 579
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:44 am
First Name: Martynn
Last Name: Vowell
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Touring, th "Lady"
Location: Sylmar, Commiefornia
Board Member Since: 2012
Contact:

Re: Got an electrical question...

Post by VowellArt » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:24 pm

Yeah, I kind of hoping it wasn't that. Do you think that the high rate of charge may have fused the points?
Fun never quits!


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6523
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919
Location: not near anywhere, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Got an electrical question...

Post by Scott_Conger » Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:28 pm

Probably not

In any event, they were likely pitted and welded shut by only the very smallest area and should be able to be "popped" apart. Best bet is to purchase a Voltage Regulator and follow instructions to set output...yours is high if your meter is anywhere near correct. In the absence of finding a VR these days, a diode cut out will likely solve your problem.

A quick check with an OHM meter will show if the points are still stuck...will read continuity from post to post on the cutout. They can be filed, but you might knock it out of adjustment if you bend anything inside, though if you're careful you should be able to do it. This is no substitute for a fresh product, though.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic