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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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I have no experience with generators or cut out switches so am wondering if mine are wired correctly. I have a newer generator in my '34 (no tag) and am fairly confident my mechanic father-in-law had it rebuilt but it was not hooked up when I inherited the car.
It is a three brush unit and (unlike the original'34) has two terminals on the outside of the case. The cut out switch is connected to the terminal that goes to one of the brushes. The other terminal is grounded to the case. Is that correct? And what is this 2nd terminal connected to internally?
Also, the cutout switch has no markings for the two terminals so can it be hooked up either way or is polarity an issue?
Thirdly, I vaguely recall from many years ago, a generator needed to be polarized after installing. If so, how is that done?
When I had the engine running earlier, the ammeter did not show much, if any, charge but does show discharge with lights on,etc.
I will appreciate your replies!!
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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It looks as if you have a 1938-39 3 brush generator. When that is used as a replacement on a 1937 and prior the treminal is ground to the case. If you purchased a Delco universal replacement generator it came with the instructions for hooking up the wires. I had a set of the instructions but can't find them now.
Gene Schneider
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Backyard Mechanic
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So I think from your answer I have it wired correctly. But I still am wondering what that 2nd terminal is wired to internally. Also my second and third questions are still: 2. Does the cutout switch have polarity or can it be wired either way (there are no markings on the two cutout switch terminals) and 3. Do I need to polarize the generator after it is installed and how is that done.
As I said, I got the generator with the car from my father-in-law and it was not installed. There were no instructions included with the generator (or any other part of the car:).
I imagine you are correct that it is off a 38-39 since he had one he parted out.
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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The second terminal is connected to one end of the field coil on the inside of the generator. By grounding it, you are "full-fielding" the generator which means your generator will be charging at maximum output all the time. The cutout should be labeled "BAT" on one terminal & "GEN" on the other. On the original Delco, it was stamped right into the actual terminal. Remove the screw and washer, and you should see it. If it is rusty or greasy you might have to scrape/brush it. And, yes it does matter which terminal you use for each wire. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Jason @ Advanced Electrical Rebuilders www.aerrebuild.comjason@aerrebuild.com
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Backyard Mechanic
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Jason & Dog,
Thanks for answering my questions. To polarize the generator then I just jump from one terminal to the other on the cut out switch. That sounds easy enough.
I found the markings on the cut out terminals just as you said and it was hooked up correctly. So I have the whole thing wired correctly and will polarize it tomorrow. Hopefully, when I start it up, the ammeter will show it charging.
Thanks Again!
Last edited by Youngfalcon; 01/07/11 02:38 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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A quick way to polarize the generator is to remove the cover from the cut-out and press the points together briefly. Then replace the cover and your off and generating.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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