azmichael1 Posted October 1, 2011 Report Posted October 1, 2011 In the process of redoing the engine compartment of my '48 p-15 with the original 6 volt positive ground electrical system, I had removed the generator to be able to paint the engine. when I completed the project, I found that the battery was not holding a charge and,of course not starting the engine so I bought a new battery which started the car right up but was far to the left side of the ammeter when the car is running. If I did not polarize the electrical system after reinstalling the generator will that keep the system from charging ? from what I researched, it sounds pretty important. Also, does anyone know if a ;48 p-15 has an "A" circuit or a "B" circuit ("A" is polarized at the generator and "B" is polarized at the regulator. Any help/information will be greatly appreciated ! Mike '48 p-15 Delux Apache junction, Arizona Quote
Don Coatney Posted October 1, 2011 Report Posted October 1, 2011 Have you done a forum search to find your answer? Quote
azmichael1 Posted October 1, 2011 Author Report Posted October 1, 2011 Hi, Don; Yes, actually I did search the forum first but couldn't find anything specific to the information I need but I feel confident that some of the guys on here that are much wiser than me will be able help me out with this. Mike Quote
Rusty O'Toole Posted October 2, 2011 Report Posted October 2, 2011 The gen field coils have to be magnetic to work, normally there is enough residual magnetism to get them going then the regulator kicks in, but if the gen is taken apart or if it sits around for years it can lose its charge. From the official repair manual Polarizing the generator Do not polarize the generator by holding the circuit breaker points closed. This may result in burnt contacts Use a jumper from the starting switch, battery connection to the "A" terminal of the generator. Generator should always be polarized before running on car or bench. In other words connect a wire for a few seconds, from the battery - to the A terminal on the generator. Quote
HanksB3B Posted October 2, 2011 Report Posted October 2, 2011 "A picture is worth a thousand words" nuff said: Hank Quote
TodFitch Posted October 2, 2011 Report Posted October 2, 2011 I'll bet polarizing it won't make any difference.... I've had generators off the car for decades and they worked just fine when bolted back on. You've only had yours off for a short period of time. If generators lost their residual magnetism (all the flashing/polarizing them does) that fast then you'd need to polarize your electrical system pretty near every time you parked the car for a week. Much more likely that you've painted over a required ground connection for either the generator, the regulator or the body. Or maybe all of them. Quote
Merle Coggins Posted October 2, 2011 Report Posted October 2, 2011 I never had to do that to my generator until this year. I've had to do it twice this summer. Once earlier in the year and once yesterday. I'm confused why my generator is suddenly loosing it's residual magnetism. I plan to stop in to have a talk with a good rebuilder that I know and see what he has to say. Merle Quote
OldDad67 Posted December 31, 2011 Report Posted December 31, 2011 Here's an article I got years ago about polarizing. May'be it can help. Quote
OldDad67 Posted December 31, 2011 Report Posted December 31, 2011 easier on the neck... Thanks Tim I couldn't get it to work. Just old age I guess. But the heart's in the right place. :D Quote
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