Good choice on the field grounding- - - - -just don't run the RPM up a lot because there will be no voltage control. Was the generator polarized properly after installing it? After polarizing, there should be at least 1/2 volt present at the Arm. terminal of the generator with the engine running and no wires connected to the generator at all. This is called "residual voltage" and it's what the field coils use to begin the charging cycle. That voltage is sent through the regulator points to ground, and the voltage rises until a preset current flow or voltage is reached. At that stage, either the curreulator OR the voltage regulator points begin cycling several times a second to control the field current. Make sure the spring-closed points are clean, but DO NOT file or sand them. A piece of clean index card or business card stock makes an excellent cleaning medium. It's abrasive enough to clean oxidation off the solid silver points without scratching them. Once the charge current drops below the max setting of the points behind the ARM wire, they stay closed and the voltage regulator points (behind the FLD wire) start to cycle. The third set of points, the cutout relay which is in line with the BAT wire of the regulator, is open with the engine off, closes when the generator voltage rises 1/2 volt or so above the battery terminal voltage, and stays closed until the engine is turned off.
Jerry
