VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Generator Cut Out

If I understand correctly, the generator cutout on my 1924 Chevy serves one purpose. It closes when voltage is applied via the generator and opens back up when you turn the car off to keep the generator from running the battery down. I ALWAYS turn off the battery with a switch in the floorboard that cuts out the ground when I stop. Since I appear to be having problems with the cutout, couldn't I just hard wire accross the screws and be done with it?

If you hardwire,or place a bridging wire across the terminals of the cutout to bypass the cutout,and use the naster battery kill switch,you'll get a very heavy current discharge flowing from the battery to the generator,which may end up damaging the ammeter.
You'd be better off with a new or good 2nd hand cutout.

Thanks. I will never understand all this, but want top be sure I don't damage anything!!

You can install a diode in place of the cut-out and that will cure your problem.

A diode? Can you give me more information?

Yep, a diode. A diode only lets the current flow in one direction. You can get more information about diodes on the Internet.

Gonna make it tuff, I was hoping to get a "sure run on down to radio shack and get xxxx" oh well.................

I think if you use a diode you need to get one that can handle the amperage the gen puts out and it blocks the current from the battery from flowing back to the generator when the engine is stopped.

I doubt Radio shack will help there. If I were doing it, I wold go for a huge one that could handle some 20-30A and have a reverse breakdown voltage around 20V. In school I was taught to go 100% over spec or in other words if you need it to handle 6 volts, spec for a min of 12. Bigger will run cooler. Online you could try Mouser electronics.there are others.

You would need to get a specific diode that would work for your application.....size, direction of flow (positive or negative) and etc. As shawng mentioned, it is doubtful if Radio Shack will have the type of diode needed.

Another consideration is the voltage drop across the diode. On a relay (assuming it is in good shape)the output voltage equals the input voltage, but a typical diode has a .7V drop across it. Depending on your application this can be an issue. It can mean lamps will be dimmer, and your battery will not change as quickly or your ignition circuit will now be marginal. And yes, i do realize the Filling Station sells the replacements and I bet they work great for most people, but i am just presenting the facts so that you make an informed decision.