VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Charging

Went for a ride the other day and car was charging just fine. Some where along the way it quit. Looking for suggestions as to where to start checking first.

Check the generator and the voltage regulator. There is a test that you can perform that will tell you if the problem is either the generator or the voltage regulator. Check your shop manual for the test procedure.

Shorty,

OK, check the following:

a. Fan belt
b. Hit the generator with a good sized hammer while engine is running. At the same time check the battery charge meter in the dash.
c. Pull the generator, check the brushes.
d. If brushes are bad, go to NAPA or some other parts place and get a new set.
e. Clean commutator using sandpaper, if nothing else.
f. If it has a Fulton, remove it.

There are other things to do but none come to mind right now. Others will have suggestions also.

Good luck,
Charlie

Once you determine if the issue is your regulator (likely) or generator, you may want to pick up a spare voltage regulator to take on longer trips. When they go bad, they can ruin a road trip in a hurry. You can get a 'service replacement' regulator at O'Reilly or Napa for under $40.

Generator overhaul isn't bad either. Brushes and a clean up of the commutator is usually all they need unless its pretty beat up inside.

Good luck!