VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 6 volt Dim lights and poor signal power

I have been experiencing some electrical issues with my 41 Master Deluxe. It has a heater and I have installed turn signals. I have found that I can't run the heater and headlights at the same time or the lights are too dim to really see anything. Additionally, the turn signals don't seem to have enough power to work when the heater is on (with or without headlights on).

I am not sure if I am just asking for too much from this system or if I have an issue. I am still running the 6v system and have a good strong battery that never loses charge (Optima). The wiring harness has been replaced with a high quality reproduction. All grounds have been cleaned and are good. I installed a new voltage regulator from Chevs of the 40s.

I have ordered LED bulbs for the front and rear signals to reduce the draw but I doubt this will completely fix the issue. I also ordered Halogen headlight bulbs hoping that would make them brighter (but likely no reduction in current draw).

My ammeter typically will show about 3/4 when driving at highway speeds but drops to below 1/2 when I turn on the headlights or the heater. I can also watch the ammeter bounce with the turns signals on. Sometimes the turn signals will slow or stop working as I slow my RPMs, even if there is nothing else running.

Any ideas? I'm wondering if I have a weak generator or if this is typical of these cars. I'm tempted to move to a 6v alternator but really would prefer to stick with my generator as I don't like to deviate much from original (bulbs excluded).

I am planning a Rt 66 trip this year and need to have lighting working properly.

Check the output of your generator. You may have too much current draw based on the output of the generator.

The 1941 charging system will put out 35 amps when worjking corecttly. This is more than enough to cover the head lights, heater , radio and defoster at speeds above a fast idle.
I agree the generator may be the culprit.

Thanks guys. I'll check the output and share my findings.

I had a similar problem with my 38. Because of the symptoms I was able to determine that the connection between the "BAT" connection on the regulator and the ammeter had a high resistance. I replaced that wire and the problem was solved. Your ammeter should show some charging at speed while the energy required to start the car is replaced in the battery. After a short time it should be reduced to a very small positive amount. using the lights and other loads should make almost no difference in the charging indication going down the road.

MM,

The stinkin brushes in your generator are worn slap out. Take it apart, clean the commentator with sand paper and put new brushes in. You may have to polarize it afterwards. See manual.

Good luck and let us know if my diagnosis is right on.

Don't use no stinkin heater whilst going down the road. The heat from the engine will be enough. If not punch a couple more holes in the firewall.

More advise: Toss the Optima, forget the alternator, change back to the regular bulbs, and the regular seal beam lights. The 41 is not fast enough to outrun the regular ol' lights. Get a radio. 47/48s are relatively cheap and fit right in.

Your NC license plate is reflective so there is no need of bright taillights. Once you have the generator fixed, tailgaters will see you in pleanty of time to react. If you're worried stick some reflective tape of the bumper. (I'd better clarify that owing to some 47/48ers Fleetliners may read this. The reflective tape should go on the rear bumper)

There is no fun in driving your old car if you have modernizing it. You might as well take the Lexus on the 66 trip. As original is just fine. Where is your sense of adventure?

Good luck and you're welcome,

Charlie

Charlie; As a 47 Fleetline owner I appreciate your advise on which bumper to install the reflective tape but you didn't say whether the tape should be on the outside or inside of the rear bumper.

I enjoy reading your comments on various subject.

dick

Well, Dick,

I did give you guys that much credit. Perhaps my expectation was misplaced after all. Hmmm.

Best,

Charlie

I don't have the heater hooked up on my 48. I sure don't need it in the summer time as a lot of heat comes through the firewall. Of cours in the summertime, it seems I always take it for a ride when it is above 90 degrees out.