1950 original 6 volt generator. Positive ground. I am getting 7.5 volts across the battery terminals when running But if I check across the hot wire terminal at the generator and the “G” terminal the gauge fluctuates between 2 to 10 volts constantly. Am I checking at the generator correctly?? I’ve never played with a 6 volt positive ground system.
Next question….. The 50 ford 6 volt positive ground will not start but turns over. If you jump it from the hot wire at the starter solenoid to the coil it will run fine. While it’s running like this you can remove the jumper and with the ignition switch on it will continue running fine. Intermittent but constant problem. Have any ideas where to look? Ignition switch continuity? Or is there a relay involved??
To correct Pops here, it won't start after turning off manually. It doesn't turn off by itself. Starter turns over but no spark to plugs.
Check the wire that runs under the distributor breaker plate for frayed insulation. This was a common problem that few folks know about today. That little wire can cause intermittent shorts that can drive a person nuts. Cloth insulation rots, ya know.
Are you checking with a digital gauge or analogue? Some digital gauges dont like the "dirty" voltage you can get from a generator.
The G post will fluctuate because the voltage regulator field relay pulses constantly to keep the charging voltage where it should be. The digital volt meter samples at an arbitrary rate which means it can display anywhere from the 2 - 10 volts you are seeing. On the starting problem, has the ignition switch been changed? Some ignition switches allow the ignition terminal to be active when in the starting position. You may not have that switch. If you have the starting terminal on the start relay, you could put a diode in series with wire going to ignition coil.
Great info D2_wiilys! Thank you. I don’t believe the ignition switch has been changed but we will look into it.
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