No grounding involved anywhere in the cut-off (see diagram).
Check that the wiring inside the cut-off is not shorted to the cover or case.
There is/are points or relay inside the cut-out cover that open and close.
Maybe the contacts are bad and arcing across?
Attachments
3rd Brush Generator 01.jpg (161.95 KB, 122 downloads)


"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use."
"I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."