I was told that if you disconnect the battery while the engine is running and the engine quits,it indicates the generator is not working. I was looking into having it rebuilt and the guy at the auto parts store said that is only true with alternators . My generator will spin when voltage is applied to the armature. The generator light goes off when the engine starts. I replaced the voltage regulator and polarized it. The battery shows 14 volts. After a long run the battery has dropped some charge and it takes a 10 amp charge for about two hours to bring it up to full. Do I need to adjust the voltage regulator. I just got a new one from Fusick.The generator was rebuilt about a year ago.
Any sugestions !

Thanks
Rick

 

The only accurate way to tell is to put some gages on it and see what the output actually is. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of adjusting regulators, since they are extremely temper-mental and a very slight adjustment might be more than you need. Also, if your battery is old, it also might not be accepting the full charge due to shorted out plates. Another problem is battery cables. They can look perfectly fine, but can have corrosion under the insulation that is causing high resistance. The last thing is that when it was rebuilt, if it needed fields or an armature, and they didn't have the correct part to install, they might have installed a "substitute" that is sub standard, and you are not getting the needed output. Also keep in mind that in 1956, the generator was probably rated for a maximum 30 amp output. If you have replaced the headlamps with modern units that are brighter, they might be using more amps than the generator can keep up with.
Whenever you need electrical parts, try to find NOS parts, since some of the reproduction parts coming from other parts of the world, just are not that good by comparison.

 

The battery is there for starting only, (it will run the car for a period of time if the generator fails, depending on load) Yes, generally speaking the engine should continue to run if you disconnect the battery. I also agree with the above on the load of modern lights, etc, or the battery may be weak and not holding a charge!

 

One thing that is often overlooked, "is the belt tight". I learned that the hard way a long time ago. I know there is somebody that actually makes alternators that look like generators in case you want to look original. Otherwise I would put a one wire alternator on it.

 

Thanks for all the advise. The battery I use is one of those Delco 60K reproduction batteries. Maintenance free gell battery. It is not quite a year old and does hold a charge. The engine quits fast when I unhook the battery. I will check the cables. I do have another generator that I will try before I get this one rebuilt. I really need to install an amp meter and oil pressure gauge. Those idiot lights drive me nuts. I will keep you guys posted on what I find. Anyone with a 56 Olds have any suggestions for gauges. I bought a set then took them back because they looked so cheap. Also giving the alternator some thought.
Thanks Again!
Rick

 

I had the same issue with one of those Antique Car Batteries on my Plymouth. I had to really deep cycle that battery for it to hold a charge. If you have a lead acid battery available try that for a few days, and I will be willing to bet you won't have a problem!!

Been there done that!

 

OLDCUTLASS - Thanks for that idea. I was thinking of switching back to the lead Acid Battery while I troubleshoot this issue. You will ruin those reproduction batteries if you jump start them. They look nice and are really expensive . They also have to be pampered. No more then 10 amp charge.
Thanks again for all the replies. This is a greart Forum!
Rick

 

They really need a good deep cycle charge once in a while!! I'd set my 15a charger and charge it for 3 hours. Then its usually good for the summer season! I had issues and thats what they told me to do!! Other than that they are great batteries!

 

I found the problem. It turned out to be the voltage regulator. It was brand new and I ended up having it professionally adjusted. The mechanic said all these new regulators "are Junk". He talked about testing out a transistor regulator. Has anybody had any experience with these?
For now things are working as they should. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Rick

 

how do you polarize the regulator?I have looked in the manual and cannot find direction anywhere even though i found a place that said "to polarize see electrical section" in the manual.Thanks

 

To polarize the generator, you momentarily short the GEN connection to the BAT connection at the voltage regulator...just a little spark and it's done... '57 CSM pg. 13-11 para. 6

 

Thanks yellowstatue.Hoping to get her running by next weekend and didnt want to miss something simple.

 

Golds56 - Even though I put on a new voltage regulator I had to adjust it. Seems like all the electrical reproduction parts I have been getting lately are giving me problems. I still try to find NOS but that is gettting harder to find.. Good luck on getting your car going.