Needing 1964 Galaxie 6 volt generator help

Unlike the other manufactures I think Ford offered the alternator as an option for a year or two and some cars could have either. Chrysler and the GM went alternator straight across the board earlier.

Adjust your belt to the "correct tension" per instructions out of a manual or found online and then check the output with a multimeter.
No or low output at an idle is normal with a generator as several of the guys said previously and not a big worry. It was also the main reason for going to alternators in the sixties as cars started having more accessories on them that needed power.

 

It's likely that your idle speed is too low. Generators voltage output varies with speed. You could put a smaller pulley on the generator or a larger one on the engine to increase speed. This could cause problems at higher engine speeds. Generators are most efficient at a constant speed. To keep the voltage constant with the varying speed, the regulator has to vary the field current.

Alternators produce a more constant voltage at all speeds and can provide more current in a smaller package. If you like the look of a generator, you can use these alternators.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/powergen.html

 

The Powermaster Powergen is a great solution. It's an alternator that looks and bolts up just like the generator. I have a brand new, unused one I would part with.

 

Could be the generato needs new brushed, that is a common maint item fo gennys. Also if you have a voltage regulator with a removable cover you might want to try to dress the points. Go to the parts store and get a points file. This is always fun as the young counter bucks give you a WTF look. The give each of the three sets of points a couple swipes of the file.

Also use a search engine on the web and look up adjustin a voltage regulator, some have set screws that allow you to alter the gap of the points sets, one of which will increase voltage out put.

When you light comes on, How many other electrically operated accessories are on??


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxK4GaK1wNg&feature=related

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I increased the RPMs by setting the throttle on my carb a bit higher. I had to lower the RPMs when I placed the air cover back on from painting it. It's the original air cover so it doesn't allow the carb to breath all that well. When it's on, the RPMs go up. Sooooo, I had lower it and I lowered too much...that's why the gen light came on at drive and reverse. Easy 'nuff right? I'm getting ready for this car to hit the road by registering it real soon. Just want to make sure that I take care of all details before then.

 

I am going to say that it is the ground contact from the battery to the generator bracket. Remove the nut holding the ground wire at the front of the bracket (or wherever your battery ground cable leads) and sand to shiny bare metal. Do the same with cable terminal and re-attach.

Problem solved

 

With old cars, you need to hook up with a local rebuilder. I have one I've used for over 30 years, I get MY core back and it looks like new inside and out. They also put a tag on everything that tells how to polarize it. I'd replace the regulator too. May as well do it right once.

Bob

 

Well this thread is over a year old but some of the lukers might like to see that I rebuilt a generator and replaced a perfectly good alternator just to get the look of an old car and not just another streetrod with a 1 wire alternator. The complete rebuild kit including the bearings was in the 30 dollar range on Ebay and a lot more fun than bolting on an alternator. It charges like a *****. Not as much at an idle but it works just like it did in 1964...quite well thank you very much.