1950 Pontiac 6 volts, I was checking my charging system out, I noticed that the generator is putting out 7.40 +- volts at an  idle but the the battery and the regulator is reading 6.28 volts.  Ran a wire from the Bat term on the regulator to a meter and going down the road I am getting 7.45 +-  any ideas why at an idle this is happening?

Thanks for any info

Mike 

 

I'm no six volt expert but as long as the battery electrolyte is not boiling and the vehicle lamps are not broiling, I'd be happy with 7.45 volts at the battery.

Rick

That sounds strange that a generator is supplying such good voltage at idle. As you know, generators are notoriously weak at low engine speeds. You must be  blessed with a really good one - I can think of no other reason.

It 's not a covert alternator conversion by any chance?

I agree with Fitzy and B52bombardier. Optimal 6-volt generator output is about 7.5 volts. I think you are blessed with a very good generator. I would recommend taking really good care of it. I see nothing to worry about at this stage, unless you see issues like B52 describes.

Its not a alternator, I wish it was..   What I dont understand why at an idle the grenerator is putting out 7.45 +- volts and the battery is only getting 6.28 volts.  I just checked it again and I am getting the same reading at a idle.  The regulator is reading the same as the battery.   The battery should be getting the same voltage right?   Again, going down the road the regulator is getting 7.45 volts +- 

 

You have some voltage drop on the way from the generator to the battery - everybody does - generator or alternator.  Try an all new 10-12 gauge wire from the output of the voltage regulator to the battery and retest.   You could also have a dirty ground somewhere.   Connectors can look fabulous but have many broken strands of copper inside the insulation.

Try to figure which wire is causing the lossy voltage drop, and maybe all of them are a little.

Rick 

Thanks Rick I will try that tomorrow 

Mike

Well, after checking more things out, I replaced the new regulator with a known good one that I had and its working as it should.  Who would think that a new part could be bad?

 

Thanks for all your help 

Mike 

Sadly that happens more often than we would like to think. 

Mike - I fitted a reco alternator & brand new reg to my GP. The ensuing problems are documented on my thread. Since upgrading to a self regulating alternator,  car finally runs sweet.

As Frosty says, it does happen. New stuff isn't like old stuff.