<VV> Generator

[Frank DuVal]

Point of common knowledge error:

A voltage regulator knows only the polarity is it built with. One cannot 
change it in the field.

A generator can be polarized in the field. In fact it is the field coils 
that  get "polarized" so the residual magnetism will begin to produce 
current in the right polarity for the car's electrical system.

Yes, for convenience, polarizing the generator takes place at the 
terminals of the voltage regulator, so the common misconception is one 
polarizes the regulator.

Now that I got that off my chest.... Being an EE makes me sensitive to 
incorrect electrical black magic. One should always use correct black 
magic when dealing with electrons.

Take a heavy gage wire, say 14 to 10, or whatever you have laying around 
about a foot long, and briefly (Key OFF) touch both the BAT and GEN 
terminals. There will be a spark, and if you leave it connected for more 
than a few seconds, it may get hot.

This is covered in the 61 shop manual page 8-16 item #6 first column. 
Even the correct "polarize the generator" term. I'm sure the 60 manual 
also has the info.

For those that wonder why you are connecting 12 volts to the armature 
terminal to apply power to the field coils, the field coil is grounded 
through the closed voltage regulator contact (since the key is off) and 
the 12 volts you apply to the armature terminal is connected internally 
to the field coils in the generator. Way more than you asked for...


Frank DuVal



On 8/11/2011 8:05 AM, jacesana1 wrote:
> Hey gang. I'll be replacing the generator on the 60 today. Question is do I have to re_polorize the voltage regulator? If so please refresh my memory on which two terminals to touch so I don't get the magical smoke! Thanks
> Jason Cesana
> 1960 80hp PG
>