generator failure

[2fat2fly]

I have a 1964 ford 2000 that I have to polarize the generator almost everytime I use it, any ideas of the cause?( bad genny or regulator)?
 

[souNdguy]

take the reg apart and clean the contacts.. the field contacts on the lucas vr's are notorious for getting dirty.

the lucas gennies.. while not as robust as a earlier ford genny.. aren't really that bad.. but the vregs are absolute junk.

try cleaning up the reg first.. post back
 

[mgriff543]

Wow Ford used the Lucas systems that far back? I always assumed they were a 70s-80s cost cutting measure. But they were definitely a mediocre generator and crappy regulator.
 

[souNdguy]

weird.. I coulda sworn he said 65 2000 ?

must be this small screen.

no.. on a 64 the reg would have been a non lucas one.. same as genny.

both are pretty robust.

if the genny charges with a full field I'd just repalce the reg.
 

[souNdguy]

wow.. i could have sworn that said a later ford year not a 64.

64 would have NOT been lucas.. that was 65+ guess this small screen is playing with my eyes.

do this.. pull vreg field line, and slip belt off genny.

jumper bat hot to field and armature at genny. if it motors.. the genny is likely good.

slip belt on, start up.. get to mid throttle.. jump armature to field.. amps come up? if so.. replace the reg... though sure won't hurt to pry the can open for a looksee. might see a dead bug inthe contacts.. or carbon on them.. worth a look, even if just to see what one looks like.. etc..

sorry about the prev post. I thought you indicated a 3 cyl 2000 from year age.. not the older 4
 

[2fat2fly]

cleaned up the vr, seems to be working for now, I think I will pick up a new one anyway, thanks guys,I've managed to keep the old N and the 2000 in decent condition thanks to this forum.
 

[souNdguy]

not all vregs are created equal.. I have one on my farmall H.. 2nd one I've put on since I had it. cruddy field contacts...

post back if you hit a snag