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Posted By: Pat S Headlight switch resistor - 07/04/17 08:01 PM
The other day I tried a section of road that had just been repaved. I was blistering along at 55 when the amp gauge centered itself. I thought that that fancy diode cutout had just done its job. After a while it started to show a discharge. I remembered the last time I had charging issues the resistor on the switch had burned out. It was that again. Any ideas?
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/04/17 09:02 PM
When you were driving at 55 how many charging amps was the amp meter showing when the generator was working?

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 12:31 AM
It was right at the top if I remember well.
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 04:58 AM
Right at the top???? Do you mean 20 amps charge? If so, your generator output was way too high so you might have burned out the generator armature. Your generator should be charging no more than 10 amps max.

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 11:29 AM
I'll check that again. Is it possible that third brush has moved?
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 01:38 PM
If the third brush was tightened down, it probably didn't move.

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 01:57 PM
Towards the block is down right?
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 02:18 PM
Towards the block decreases the output and towards the fender increases the output. Check your shop manual.

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 03:10 PM
I think I've got it. This is at fast idle with the choke on.

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Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 07:12 PM
Driving down the road at 55, the max. output should be about 10 amps.

So, what did you do to correct the issue.....re-adjust the third brush?

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 07:41 PM
Yup.
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 08:21 PM
Is the screw that holds the third bush in place now tight?

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Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/05/17 09:19 PM
It is and it was. I guess I hadn't set it low enough the last time.
Posted By: Pat S Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/10/17 11:10 PM
Found out today that this episode had boiled the battery, or perhaps it had been boiling for a while. Anyhow with a new battery, charging at 10 amps I should make it through the summer OK.
Posted By: Junkyard Dog Re: Headlight switch resistor - 07/11/17 12:36 AM
Good Luck!

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