TO-35 Electrical System Question

[Fred Hart]

The amp meter on my 1957 To-35 was not moving today. When I turned on the lights the needle when to the negitive a little then came back to center when lights were turned off.

But I never got it to move to the positive as if the system was charging.

Question: Is there a way to test the generators output? If its working properly then my problem is probably the regulator.

Charging System was working fine a few weeks ago.

 

[Farmer-Wana-Be]

Fred:
I"ve had a similar problem with my 1955 TO-35 6V positive ground system. You can ground the field wiring (either at the generator or at the regulator--just be sure not to ground the output side. If the generator is working properly, you should see the ammeter guage go plus. I"ve got an intermittent problem with my regulator.

 

[Farmer-Wana-Be]

Fred:
I"ve had a similar problem with my 1955 TO-35 6V positive ground system. You can ground the field wiring (either at the generator or at the regulator--just be sure not to ground the output side. If the generator is working properly, you should see the ammeter guage go plus. I"ve got an intermittent problem with my regulator.

 

[pjfenner]

If your regulator is working you will see the generator output with this test, but if the regulator is not working you may not see a valid result. If you turn the switch to the light position with the engine off, you should see a big drain on the batt. If you do, then your ammeter is working. If you do not see any output frm the generator by grounding the field terminal, then to determine if it is the regulator or generator, connect a jumper wire between the generator A or G terminal and the B terminal in the regulator. This bypasses the regulator and if you then see the output on the ammeter, it means your regulator is not working, but if you see nothing mch then the generator is not working. Check the grounds on the regulator mounting and the generator mounts. If you have not had the gen or reg off this may not be necessary. Then check the brushes and commutor of the generator. Dirty brushes or wornout brushes and a dirty commutator could be the issue.

Phil (WA)

 

[Fred Hart]

generator checked good

replaced regulator and all seams to be working good.

ready for spring plowing.