1972 Ford 4500 charging problem!

[jeff ellermeyer]

I noticed the red light then the tachometer went crazy(maybe not related but the tach comes off the generator). With my meter there is no power coming off the generator's two wires. Is this normal? Could it be a regulator problem? I guess I really don't understand how the charging system works and how to troubleshoot this prob.
Any help is appreciated!

 

[Roy Suomi]

The output terminal of the generator is connected to the battery cable terminal on the starter via the regulator..I would check the starter cable connections for a loose or broken wire..The generator charges and the current goes to the regulator then to the starter big terminal..Check for rusted connections at the regulator too..

 

[jeff ellermeyer]

Thanks for that. Should the generator be putting out voltage regardless of other problems down the line or is it "told" when to put out voltage by the regulator. I am trying to determine if the gen is bad and I guess understand how it works.

 

[Roy Suomi]

If you remove the field wire from the generator and use a jumper wire from the field terminal to the output terminal while its running..It should charge charge wide open, providing there is 12 volts at the output terminal..