Polarizing the generator

[Rich'sToys]

1949 8N, 6 volt, front mount.
I keep hearing about how the generator should be re-polarized every time the battery has been removed, so I'm thinking maybe I should do that, since I know the battery has been out of it several times-both before and after I bought it.
My question is--the terminals on my regulator are not marked in any of the usual places. Is there a quick and easy way to tell which terminal is which? I assume I'll have to trace the wires back, but I'm not sure which one is supposed to go where. It's still the original wiring, so there's not much for color coding any more, plus they're still bundled together in some places. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I really don't want to touch the wrong terminals together and fry something!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 10:14:37 04/17/12) 1949 8N, 6 volt, front mount.
I keep hearing about how the generator should be re-polarized every time the battery has been removed, so I'm thinking maybe I should do that, since I know the battery has been out of it several times-both before and after I bought it.
My question is--the terminals on my regulator are not marked in any of the usual places. Is there a quick and easy way to tell which terminal is which? I assume I'll have to trace the wires back, but I'm not sure which one is supposed to go where. It's still the original wiring, so there's not much for color coding any more, plus they're still bundled together in some places. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I really don't want to touch the wrong terminals together and fry something!

re all terminals on one side OR does your reg have 2 on one side & one on a different side? Also, if it is charging correctly, leave it alone. Do nothing.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I believe one is on the other side-I need to double check.
I may go with your second bit of advice. It SEEMS to be working OK. It doesn't really show anything on the gauge, but it always turns over and starts good. Maybe I'll just do as you suggested and leave it alone for now. That was my first instinct, until I started reading all the threads on this forum!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 10:32:28 04/17/12) I believe one is on the other side-I need to double check.
I may go with your second bit of advice. It SEEMS to be working OK. It doesn't really show anything on the gauge, but it always turns over and starts good. Maybe I'll just do as you suggested and leave it alone for now. That was my first instinct, until I started reading all the threads on this forum!

ou do no harm, following: "If it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it." Whereas, the other is to: "If it ain't broke, I will 'fix' it until it is broke". :wink:

 

[Dell (WA)]

Rich........the reason for recommending re-polarizing the genny when the battery has been removed, is many shadetree mechanics don't pay attention and install the battery bassackwards.

While the 6-volt N-Tractor came from the factory POSITIVE (+) ground, yer 6V genny will also charge NEGATIVE (-) ground iff'n it has been "re-polarized". To polarize the 6V genny, "arc-spark" the side-by-side BAT & ARM terminals of yer squarecan voltage regulator together, engine OFF. I use a wide blade shorty screwdriver. You can use bailin'warr iff'n you want.

You can polarize as many times as it takes to feel warm'n'fuzzy ...er... charged. (tip: the BAT & ARM terminals have HEAVY wire attached to them. Do NOT mucka'round with the skinny FLD terminal wire. understand?) ........the well charged Dell

 

[36 Coupe]

Leave your tractor alone.Many posters on here play with tractors, thats it.If my tractor starts theres work to do/Move pruning brush from the orchard,bring home some cedar posts for fencing.Plow the garden.Move picnic tables Ive built.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I'm going to leave it alone--you guys convinced me. Dell, your explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks!

Even though I don't plan to do it, I still would like to clarify for my own info--The BAT and ARM terminals are the two that are side by side, and the FIELD terminal is around the corner? The wires on all three appear to be about the same.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Rich........look closer, the BAT and ARM wires, besides being HEAVY, the squarecan terminals are usually LABELED. Sometimes on the can, summtimes on the screw terminals ...ie... B A F ........respectfully, Dell

P.S....You do know that the 9N/2N genny has ONLY 1-terminal (8N's have 3-terms) and YOU are the voltage regulator by adjusting the 3rd-brush on backend of genny.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 00:00:08 04/18/12) I'm going to leave it alone--you guys convinced me. Dell, your explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks!

Even though I don't plan to do it, I still would like to clarify for my own info--The BAT and ARM terminals are the two that are side by side, and the FIELD terminal is around the corner? The wires on all three appear to be about the same.

O! That is NOT correct. The terminal that is alone on one side is the BATTERY terminal and the two "around the corner" on the other side are ARMATURE and FIELD. If you have this original type VR, that means that Dell's instructions are incorrect for you. He is no doubt speaking of later replacement VR, where all 3 terminals are on one side.

 

[Rich'sToys]

Thanks, guys! I'll check it out thoroughly before I attempt anything. In the meantime, it ain't broke, so I won't try to fix it!!

 

[D Squared]

Reminds me of my old boss back in the 70s. I worked for an auto parts store in the machine shop. We tested alternator returns often. The boss said they all lie when they come in for a test, it's all about asking them positive questions. The next non working alternator came in and he asked the guy in a positive mannor "You polorized it didn't you?" of course he said yes. "well that's what happened to it, you weren't supposed to do that.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 13:26:46 04/18/12) Reminds me of my old boss back in the 70s. I worked for an auto parts store in the machine shop. We tested alternator returns often. The boss said they all lie when they come in for a test, it's all about asking them positive questions. The next non working alternator came in and he asked the guy in a positive mannor "You polorized it didn't you?" of course he said yes. "well that's what happened to it, you weren't supposed to do that.

like it! :lol: