VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 How did I goof?

Got the wiring installed in my '31 coupe and everything seems to work OK EXCEPT that when I put the switch on it shows charging a little and when I put the lights on it shows charging about 10 amps. When I run the engine and rev it up a little the needle just goes all over the place. Double checked the wiring and it looks hooked up alright to me. I do have it negitive ground. Would I have to polarize it and if so how? Did a search and couldn't find out how on a '31. It said to put the key in and I assume to turn it on and not run the motor. Also with just one wire coming to the generator, where would you touch the other one to polarize it? I hope it's just a simple goof I made some where along the line.

Reverse the wires on your amp meter. Sounds like you have them backwards.

On the generator, it should be polarized. The wire coming out of the generator goes to the terminal marked "GEN" on the cut out relay that sits on top of the generator. On the other side of the cut out relay is another terminal marked "BAT" with a wire attached to that terminal. With everything hooked up and the ignition off, use a jumper wire and put one end of the jumper wire on either terminal and then with the other end of the jumper wire momentarily touch the opposite terminal. You will get a spark. The generator is now polarized.

:) :grin:

Thanks JYD, I was wondering about the 'polarizing' trick the other day.

BINGO!!! Changed the wires around and polarized and when I turned the switch on it showed discharge. When I pulled the lights switch out it showed more discharge. Started the motor with lights off and it showed charging. I think I'm OK. Thanks again Dawg. Off to finish off the upholstry tomorrow if it doesn't rain. Still have to get the wiper working. Has good suction up to the unit. Sucked a little ATF up into it to see if it loosens up.