Hey everyone this is like a 20 part question-I bought this car in 2007 and am on my third battery. It came to me not really charging well but I replaced the lead and that seemed to work. The battery that was in it was out of a tractor so I got rid of that and put in an Interstate. Charging problems seemed to disappear but the next summer the car started dying on me again but I didn't really have the means or brains to solve this problem. I can't really remember what happened but in 2011 I replaced the battery again. The car will rip around but on a couple of occasions while I was driving home at night (I live 20 minutes out of town) I barely got home because the battery was dying and I lost my headlights. I replaced the regulator and had the generator tested so have no idea what the problem is. Given that I have a new battery and new regulator, I feel like it is the generator even though the guy said it is fine. It is still running the 6v system. Wondering where to start on this. I don't trust the car and never take it out at night anymore. I always put it on a battery tender when not in use. I would like to buy a voltmeter to see if I can figure out what is going on but can anyone recommend a good made in the USA one? Thanks for your help!
6 volt battery's are notorious for having a short life span,,have you given any consideration to upgrading to 12 volt? HRP
The 6 volt system is fine, you seem to have a problem with the generator or regulator. Is there a good auto electric shop in your town? Or a good old time mechanic? Should not be very difficult or expensive to fix. Way easier and cheaper to fix it, than convert the whole car to 12v. Which may not solve the problem anyway. Do you have an ammeter or volt meter on the car? If you don't, could you install one even temporarily? I would check the gen brushes, make sure all the wiring is secure, not frayed or loose or broken. Get a Ford manual and test out the gen and reg, or get someone who knows how. It could be something as simple as a dirty or loose wire connection.
Check the grounds. There must be a good electrical ground strap from the engine to the body, they are frequently left off when changing engines.
Thanks guys-did not consider changing it over to 12 Volt because I wanted to keep it as original as possible. I did take it to a an electric shop and he seemed to think the generator was fine. I replaced the ground wire when I got the car because he looked like it had somehow melted. Will try the wiring around the generator/regulator and see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestions!
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