The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Help with generator.

I finally got to work on the '56 some this weekend, cleaning cooling system etc. Started the truck and run up to tempature, when I shut it off with the switch, I heard a motor running, it was the generator. I have had the generator rebuilt and a new regulator from a good shop in town, what could be causing this ?...I have a battery disconnect but as soon as I connect it , the generator starts turning...Help !Truck starts and runs fine, shows charging, but when I shut it off, generator runs on even though the engine is off

The cutout relay points on the "new" regulator are stuck together. Did you adjust the closing voltage after you installed it? Generator regulators aren't idiot-proof- - - -they absolutely MUST be adjusted to perform properly after they're installed.
Jerry

No Jerry< I didn't change anything....didn't know I had to...The shoppe fixed the generator and sold me the new voltage regulator, what do I have to do to fix this/...I thought that they would have it right from the start, as much as it cost me

I believe this was the last time voltage regulator adjustment was discussed.
There are plenty of other things to read in the archives as well.

Terry, where are you located in Alabama? I'm about 30 miles north of Huntsville near I-65. I'd be glad to help out with the adjustment if we're reasonably close to each other. Basically, the relay that disconnects the battery from the generator when the engine stops has to be adjusted so its points spring apart every time the generator voltage drops below battery voltage. Otherwise, the points stick in the closed position and the battery tries to discharge itself through the generator. If that happens, it's possible for both the generator and the regulator to be severely damaged. If you have an aftermarket regulator made overseas, they have a horrendously bad failure rate. Are you working with a 6V or 12V electrical system?
Jerry

Thanks for the offer Jerry, but I'm quite far south of Huntsville, Like well over 4 hours, probably close to 5 hours. I live in the far-eastern part of Alabama about 15 mile from Georgia and about 20 mile from Florida. I thought I posted this last night, but I don't see the post.
When the shop re-did my generator, he also sold me the new regulator, I'm sure he set them up together, But I'm gonna call and ask them today. Again, thanks for all of the help you've been to me

Well, I didn't get any help from the electric shoppe today. I took the regulator in to be checked and he told me That I'd have to have the generator along with it and that it "might take a while". He said I should just throw it away and put an alternator on as the system I have is ancient technology. Funny he didn't tell me that when I spent $169.00 to reman the gen and another $41.00 for a regulator.
I Don't want an alternator as I'm trying to keep the truck as original as possible and the generator charges fine. Then he told me that the next time it does it, bang it with a screwdriver. Well...That worked, the generator quit running(with the key off) but it juat ain't right !
My plan is to remove the cover and when it does it again, try to see which thing in there is sticking and try to slightly adjust it. Might take a few times, but maybe I'll get lucky and fix it

I'd try and locate a NORS regulator. As Jerry mentions the offshore regulators are not known for being the best. Sounds like you have a bad one.

Dan, appreciate the advice. I paid a good sum for this regulator and it is stamped made in the usa, "course not sure what that means anymore", still gonna try to "tweet it" what do I have to lose ?

You might want to take the cover off and look and see if the contacts are stuck together or other obvious signs of something burned or shorted.

Terry I was having a similar problem, my cut-out relay was staying closed after I turned off the ignition, thus draining my battery in no time at all.
None of my mechanically minded friends worked with our style "adjustable" voltage regulators, so I tried a couple places in town who work with generators. One place got my regulator settings closer, but I knew it was still not where it should be.
So thanks to George who scanned and emailed me a copy of Generator and regulator adjustment , reading thru the archives, posting questions, here on the Stovebolt, I was confidant enough to tackle the job myself. Though there was a decent amount of trial and error it is very satisfying in the end!
If you do not have a volt/ammeter this is a good thread to read.
My $.02

There are several original-equipment Delco-Remy regulators on Ebay right now if you choose to try a replacement. Don't get too worried if the regulator isn't a vehicle-specific match. A 12 volt regulator from a Chevy car or truck, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and even some Cadillacs will work better than the one you've got now. Sticky cutout relay points simply don't fix themselves- - - -it takes a technician who knows what he's doing to set one up properly, and your local guy doesn't seem to qualify! Drop me an email and maybe I can coach you through an adjustment procedure.
Jerry

Edit: Once the weather gets a little more predictable, I just might point the old Gold Wing your way. I've got several biker friends in the Florida panhandle I visit on occasion.
Jerry

Was there a slip of paper in the box with the regulator?
Should have been, showing you to "polarize" it with the generator for positive or negative ground, after mounting it.