Voltage Regulator Question/Replacement

[GARYSCC]

hi guys, my battery started running down on the '67 patrol and I then observed that the generator is not charging the battery. I removed the generator and brought to the local shop - and they tested it and said its fine. I then reinstalled it and tried one of my ford voltage regulators for generators - and it turned the generator into a motor - with the belt disconnected and the engine off, the generator started spinning very fast when connected up.

So, I then removed the cover on the patrol voltage regulator and it seemed that the 'field' points do not always 'open'. I seem to get a continuity signal even when the points on 'field' look open.

a few things I'm confused about. I read some of the previous threads - and it seems that alternators were used in many patrols. should my patrol have an alternator? the brackets fit the generator well, so I'm thinking its original parts.

So, assuming I won't be able to fix the volt regular - where I can I get a replacement?

[RiverPatrol]

67 was the last year that Patrols used a generator, so yours is correct to have one.

The voltage regulator is a carbon pile type regulator. As I recall they are adjustable.

[GARYSCC]

that's great. is there a certain gap I should set it to - like a dwell gap of 0.017 inches?

[offroadkid]

that's great. is there a certain gap I should set it to - like a dwell gap of 0.017 inches?

Garyscc,

Here is a page from the Engine Service Manual I downloaded from the forum with some specs for the voltage regulator. It can be found here: http://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=1670

[Esteban]

Before attempting anything with the regulator, you'll have to polarize the generator. What it does is create a remnant magnetism in the correct polarity that will allow it to start generating current on its own when rotating. If it's not polarized, no matter how fast you turn it, it will not generate any current (even a brand new generator needs to be polarized when installed).

To re-polarize generator field: take a wire from a live source and touch it to field terminal 3 times (just touching briefly). Should see small spark. Reconnect generator field wire.

Good luck.

[GARYSCC]

I will try that tomorrow. In the meantime, i was thinking maybe i dont need a generator? Its a little crazy, but if i dont use any accessories and i only start the patrol by the hand crank, how long could i go before needing to charge the battery? And how low voltage can the battery be and still be able to hand crank?

[Esteban]

I will try that tomorrow. In the meantime, i was thinking maybe i dont need a generator? Its a little crazy, but if i dont use any accessories and i only start the patrol by the hand crank, how long could i go before needing to charge the battery? And how low voltage can the battery be and still be able to hand crank?

In theory, you can, but sooner or later you'll end up regretting if you get stranded. The minimum current that you'll be drawing at all times to keep the ignition running is around 5A. A typical 60AH battery like the one I have at the moment, if completely charged will provide you with 60AH/5A=12H of running power . Throw in the mix an 80% of that value since it will be difficult to have a fully charged battery all the time, then some safety factor (you're an engineer, you throw them all the time...) and then some bit of bad luck. You are probably looking at some 6 hours.

Since you tested your generator and it's fine, I'll try to look into the regulator, and see if you can make it work. I could help you with alternator regulators, but don't know much about those for generators. Most probably any generator regulator can be adapted.

The next question will be whether you want to keep your Patrol all original to the dot. If not, I'll go the route of installing a Delco alternator, following the excellent guide from Robert.

http://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=3046

[GARYSCC]

I tried installing a brand new ford voltage regulator for a generator - it has the same selection of wires - arm, field, batt, ground. it seemed to turn the generator into a motor. I tried the polarizing task as noted - saw the spark - but it didn't seem to help it.

So, would it be possible for me to send you my voltage regulator and have you look at it? or does someone have an extra voltage regulator?

I would rather not begin modifications as they always have a domino effect.

Meanwhile, I'm having a bit of fun starting the patrol each time with the hand crank -it works very well. I did a temp wiring of a voltage gage near the drivers seat - so I can keep track of the voltage before it gets too low. How low of voltage do you think I could go before a hand crank wouldn't be able to start up the engine?

[RiverPatrol]

Did you try adjusting your voltage regulator following the instructions in the service manual?

[GARYSCC]

No I didn't do that. I wasn't sure what the instructions to do that are.