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Generator - setting polarity causes it to run by itself

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Old Mar 8, 2023 | 09:00 AM
  #1  
madmax442.com's Avatar
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madmax442.com
 
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Generator - setting polarity causes it to run by itself

This happened with a new Delco voltage regulator. I forgot to set polarity on it. When I swap back my old voltage regulator, it spins during the brief moment I set polarity at the regulator.
I know I messed up my not setting it when I changed the regulator. The Delco won't stop spinning the generator which smoked my generator as the belt was holding the pulley. What is going on here? Pretty sure I smoked the Delco voltage regulator which is why its just permanently spinning the generator. Just looking for confirmation. Thanks.

Last edited by madmax442.com; Mar 8, 2023 at 09:26 AM. Reason: added
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 09:24 AM
  #2  
Charlie Jones's Avatar
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From: Apopka, FL
You only need to flash the wires to set the polarity of the generator.
If the new Delco regulator spins the generator, it is defective. (stuck relay)
New is not always good.
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 09:28 AM
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Vintage Chief's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
You only need to flash the wires to set the polarity of the generator.
If the new Delco regulator spins the generator, it is defective. (stuck relay)
New is not always good.
^^x2^^

Several videos & 'how to' articles on how to flash a generator to set polarity.
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 09:39 AM
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madmax442.com's Avatar
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yes, its scary as you wont know until your generator smokes overnight with power to it. I guess I am going to test for hot at the armature post on the generator after I shut the engine off, after a voltage regulator swap.

Last edited by madmax442.com; Mar 8, 2023 at 09:40 AM. Reason: typo
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 04:39 PM
  #5  
Charlie Jones's Avatar
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Originally Posted by madmax442.com
yes, its scary as you wont know until your generator smokes overnight with power to it. I guess I am going to test for hot at the armature post on the generator after I shut the engine off, after a voltage regulator swap.
Why did you swap regulators in the first place?
Was it not charging?
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 04:49 PM
  #6  
madmax442.com's Avatar
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madmax442.com
 
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Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
Why did you swap regulators in the first place?
Was it not charging?
I wanted the correct Delco unit in it. It had an old off brand someone installed years ago. I am already thinking of just putting the Delco lid on it and be done. Ive never had a car with a generator except for '60 Falcon I just did an alternator conversion. The generator spinning with the engine off was a new experience for me!
Old Mar 8, 2023 | 05:06 PM
  #7  
Charlie Jones's Avatar
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Originally Posted by madmax442.com
I wanted the correct Delco unit in it. It had an old off brand someone installed years ago. I am already thinking of just putting the Delco lid on it and be done. Ive never had a car with a generator except for '60 Falcon I just did an alternator conversion. The generator spinning with the engine off was a new experience for me!
That's what I was going to suggest.
Paint your old regulator silver, swap covers, and get your "smoked" generator rebuilt,
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