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Regular
Posts: 89
| Hello;
My 58 Imperial does not charge. Checking voltage at the generator red terminal says zip. To look for sinple stuff I replaced the regulator, and replaced the generator brushes and cleaned/ undercut the commutator with no change. I polarized both the regulator and the generator after the brush replacement.
I want to do a more thorough diagnosis but the procedure in the shop manaual requires unique equipment like a growler, an carbon pile resistor, and separate voltmeter and ammeters.
Is there a better way to diagnose a no charge with modern equipment? Are there any other common issues? This is a clean former Montana car, so rust in grounds etc. does not seem to be a problem.
And no, I am not interested in an alternator replacement.
Thanks for any help.,
Mark |
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Veteran
Posts: 165
Location: christchurch New Zealand | got caught out with the same issue not long ago after having reg/gen. pulled twice and showing that they were
both fine, turned out to be a bad earth on the earth wire that connects to base of reg to inner fender.
Geoff |
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Veteran
Posts: 101
Location: Palm Beach County Florida | Here are some steps to take.
1. Check battery water and general battery condition to
see if it will take and hold a charge....Load testing
may be necessary.
2. Check wiring for damage and make sure all
connections at generator, regulator and battery are
tight and free of corrosion.
3. Make sure fan belt is tight enough to drive
generator at full capacity.
4. Run engine at medium speed. Using a wire, touch one
end to regulator base and other end to a good ground.
If this corrects trouble, regulator is not properly
grounded anymore.
5. If test 4 does not correct trouble, make this test.
Connect a wire from regulator terminal marked "ARM" or
"GEN" to regulator terminal marked "BAT" with engine
running at medium speed. If charging rate increases,
replace old regulator.
6. If test 5 does not correct trouble, make this test.
Connect a wire from "FLD" Terminal of regulator to a
good ground with engine running at medium speed. If
Charging rate increases, replace old regulator.
Check for a ground to the generator itself from the battery.
Check to make sure the gauge is wired correctly and not reversed.
As a last resort you can pull the voltage regulator cap off and make sure the contacts aren’t stuck.
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58 Imperial Charging Issue - Modern Diagnosis
