Check out my article in the Tech Tips section on generators and regulators. It's possible the cutout relay on your regulator isn't closing, which will keep the armature voltage from getting from the generator to the battery. Generators do not have the one-way diodes like an alternator does, so there must be a mechanical relay to keep the battery from discharging through the generator anytime ganerator voltage drops lower than battery voltage. The cutout relay should close whenever the armature voltage rises to about 1 volt over battery voltage, and it will open anytime current tries to flow backwards through the relay.
If you've got a 12 volt system, the cutout relay closing voltage should be about 12.8 to 13 volts. You can take the cover off the regulator (carefully- - - - -don't short anything out!) and watch the points close as the generator speeds up. When the engine shuts down, or idle speed gets really low, the points should open. The other two windings under there regulate maximim current to a low battery to keep the generator from burning itself out, and max voltage against a fully charged battery. It's possible to clean regulator points with a piece of index card stock, or a business card, but NEVER USE A FILE OR SANDPAPER ON REGULATOR POINTS! They will stick together if they're roughed up.
Jerry
Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 11/04/2008 4:50 AM.
