VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Generator connections 23 Superior

Need some help hooking up the generator. Can someone tell me what the 3 connections are? I am assuming (1) goes to ground, (2) is positive from the battery and (3)I have no idea...

Also what 2 connections do I short together to polarize the generator?

Thanks for your help!

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Tom
here is a link to wiring diagrams

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/electrical/wiring/

Ken

Ken,
I have all of the wiring schematics available including the original owners manual I received with the car. However, the 23 Superior schematic shows the round generator and the generator cutout with 2 terminals, one for Bat Pwr and the other for the ground. However, my car came to me with the square type generator with the 3 terminal cutout shown in my photo. Was hoping someone on here would be kind enough to answer the question as I am sure more than a few have the same configuration.

Thanks, Tom

Tom
don't know much about electricity but usually after several stupid questions I figure it out, sometimes. Does your unit have a regulator in it or a cutoff? Who is the maker of the generator and cutoff?
will keep on looking
Ken

Surely someone in the VCCA has the same configuration!

probably but have not seen your post, posted your post at aaca

Howdy Goldenwarrior.....Normally on an"A" system you would use a jumper between the Armature lead and the Battery lead. Before you do that let me say that it looks like you have a cutout switch and not a regulator and if that is the case then take the top off and close the contacts momentarily. It looks like from here that your 3 terminals are actually 2 hold down rivets and a terminal screw which needs to be wired to the ammeter....Terry

PS if I'm wrong, and Ive been there before, I'm sure it will be pointed out.

Thanks Terry,
Definitely a cutout as generators do not use regulators. I took the cover off and number one appears to be a ground, I suspect number 2 goes to the ammeter but the rest I still haven't determined. I am taking the generator down to a local guy who rebuilds them and ask him and will post the answer when I get back.
Cheers, Tom

I need to clarify something before I get bushwhacked by the Net police.

VOLTAGE REGULATOR
In the mid thirties (1935) generator voltage and amperage was controlled by a “voltage regulator” mounted outside of the
generator on the firewall. Most generator regulators had three coils; a voltage control a current regulator, and a cutout relay.

The early 6 volt generators (up to around 1935, most car makes) controlled the voltage and amperage with “3rd brush regulation”. In these generators the adjustable 3rd brush position was moved to increase or decrease the voltage and
amperage output to the battery. The charging rate increased above idle speed and was usually constant at cruising speeds.
Cutout relay at idle a “cutout relay” opens up the charging circuit (no charging at idle). At engine shutdown the cutout
remains open. This prevents current flowing from the battery to ground back through the generator.

Howdy Goldenwarrior.....You,re right on the cutout relay, it keeps the battery from discharging through the generator and burning it. The third brush adjusts the amperage, but I don,t think it adjusts the voltage......

Ok folks,
Here it is...
Terminal 1 = Ground
Terminal 2 = Ammeter/Bat voltage (Tan Wire for 23)
Terminal 3 = Armature

To polarize the generator you momentarily short terminals 2 and 3.

There, now that wasn't so hard was it!

Not too hard once you find something to tell you how its wired. Or taken apart to see where each terminal leads.

Thanks chipper, precisely!

This place is the best!

I also appreciate the information!!! I didn't know on the Autolite as my car has the Remy system.