[FWDLK] Positive vs negative ground

[Mike &Sharon Higgins <clearcreek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob's answer is correct, but it could be expensive if you don't.  Polarizing the generator is done to insure the steel screws that hold the field coils in place are magnetized, and that they poles are in the proper location.  Since the generator field coils are made of cast iron, they don't maintain magnetism when the system is shut off.  Without a residual magnetism, the generator would not be able to develop enough current to close the "Cut-Out" relay, one of the three coils in the generator regulator.  If the cut-out isn't closed, the generator is not connected to the rest of the car. The reason that it could be expensive is that if the generator fields have the wrong polarity, then at least double the system voltage will appear at the relay points, and likely burn up the regulator.  So, as Bob said, it will maybe work, but if you don't make sure the polarity is correct, it could quickly cost you money for replacement of the regulator.

 

I never take the chance.  Always polarize.

 

Mike Higgins

1955 Belvedere Sport Coupe

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