1. I don't think you polarize a VR?
2. Chevy Duty? I think is American Classic Trucks now?
3. See the
VIO below.
I have been chasing this rabbit for what seems like forever, and I need some advice from someone more adept in the wiring of these old trucks than it seems that I am. Situation: '50 model 3100, bone stock. Years ago, when I first started working on the truck, we stripped all the wiring out due to the fragile state that it was in. We bought a wiring harness from Chevy Duty, set up for generator application. Each wire is numbered on each end, and the harness package came with an instruction sheet for installation. We followed the instructions to the letter. Now---with a new hot 6 volt battery, a generator that will crank out in excess of 12 volts (I've checked it out),and a new voltage regulator, when the key is turned on, there shows a slight discharge on the ammeter. Turn the lights on, and a deeper discharge occurs. The discharge rate does not decrease with higher RPMs. I have checked and cleaned all the ground points hoping to correct the issue, to no avail. The VR has been polarized. I have checked and double-checked all the wires for correct position. BTW, this problem was not corrected with the new VR.
Now, here is where I'm scratching my head--per the harness instructions, a wire from the ammeter- terminal goes to the starter, and a wire from the ammeter + terminal goes to the VR Battery terminal, plus one to the horn. I have a copy of a reprint of the 1950-51 Wiring Diagram that, as I am interpreting it, sends battery power the the ammeter + terminal, connects the ammeter - terminal to the VR Battery terminal, and connects the horn to the ammeter + terminal. It seems to me that there is some contradiction between the two, unless I am not following the diagram correctly.You are correct. So switch to what the 1950 wiring diagram says and see what happens. You may have the ammeter wired backwards. It will then read backwards. Report what happens before you do ANYTHING else.
WARNING: You may already have ammeter wired per the 1950 diagram becasue you don't know which terminal is +. That would be good. The ammeter should show discharge when key goes on and lights go on. With no return to middle or slight charge showing on ammeter at high RPM after a little while, says bad/unadjusted gen or VR. A bad battery/cell will give you and your Ammeter/Gen/VR...... fits.
Did you mean you polarized the generator?
Did you do it according to Hot Rod Jerry instructions?
Have you done anything to the "new" VR?
How did you check the Generator when you saw 12V +. WIth VR not connected or what? Be specific with answers.
A generator may "run away" if no VR.
After you report what happens with the switching of wires, the proper testing/adjustment/polarizing procedures will come from Hot Rod Jerry
Any input from anyone that can help me clear this up will be greatly appreciated.
