Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#369465 06/01/16 05:19 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
Will the generator be damaged if the battery becomes disconnected while the engine is running (I have a fuse in the circuit, will it blow the fuse first)?

ron


ron
greencorn #369478 06/01/16 11:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 4
If I remember correctly, years ago,
I disconnected the battery with the engine running and it did not damage the generator and the car kept running on the output from the generator. I don't think it will hurt the generator.


Ed
Ed_Osier #369494 06/02/16 08:09 AM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294
I agree. Did that more than once.

chevy1937 #369496 06/02/16 08:44 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
I have never damaged a generator by disconnecting whilst running, dont know of any alternators either for that matter. Admittedly I dont make a practice of it either just in case I get caught.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
tonyw #369501 06/02/16 10:53 AM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
I strongly recommend against it!

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Junkyard Dog #369511 06/02/16 02:17 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
I posted this question on another website and the majority response was that it will do no harm: So which is it, can't be both, either it definitley will damage the generator or it will not. Guess I'll just try it out and find out for myself. I thought someone would know for sure.


ron
greencorn #369591 06/03/16 02:22 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
I had the ground cable get disconnected from the battery once and because the battery was no longer in the circuit to act as a ballast, the generator put out excessive voltage and fried every light bulb in the vehicle that was on at the time. Anyway, go ahead and try disconnecting the battery while the car is running if you feel that you must. Don't know why you would want to do it though.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Junkyard Dog #369597 06/03/16 04:39 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 521
Thanks Dog. The generator (old North East) is in an old FWD truck and not connected to any electrical except the starter. The generator has a fuse on top and was wondering what would happen if the fuse blows or becomes disconnected from the battery. I'd never find another one so didn't want to worry about burning mine up in case something became unconnected.


ron
greencorn #369604 06/03/16 06:50 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
Generators that regulate output with a properly wired and adjusted third brush are not as likely to "run away" and destroy themselves. With a voltage regulator that might not be the case.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Chipper #369607 06/03/16 07:32 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,847
Generators with a third brush will usually go to maximum voltage if the battery is not in the circuit to act as a ballast.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Junkyard Dog #369611 06/03/16 08:12 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
That is what I was trying to get people to understand. The 3rd brush limits the amount of power to the field coils and therefore output. Output = heat that can overheat the generator. That is particularly the case for the early non-ventilated versions.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
1 members (the toolman), 67 guests, and 24 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman, JEC51
18,307 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,069
Posts429,046
Members18,307
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5