Generator problems -- 1936 Dodge

[Guest Rob1960]

My generator is only putting out 3 volts.

1)....How many volts should it put out?

2)....Is there a way to determine what parts it needs without taking apart first?

3)....What are some businesses that might have parts for this generator?

............[berbaum's doesn't have any in stock]

Thanks,

Robert

Please copy to me at robertperry@citlink.net

[Rusty_OToole]

1) The output should be below 6 volts at idle rising to 7.2 by the time you hit 20 to 30 MPH and remain at that level, stabilised by the voltage regulator.

2) If you connect the field directly to power and rev up the engine the generator should charge like crazy. Do not do this for more than a few seconds. This will tell you if it is the generator or regulator.

There isn't much to go wrong. You could check if the brushes are worn. If they are Bernbaum sells new ones for $9.50 and you can replace them in 10 minutes without taking the generator off the car. The other thing that wears out is bushings. This is a more serious repair. After that if you burn out a coil or an armature you might as well buy a rebuilt generator.

Most likely to be brushes, or the regulator or maybe the wiring. It isn't hard to diagnose if you know what you are doing. You could probably do it yourself if you had a multimeter and a repair manual.

Not sure what the 36 Dodge had. It might be the 3 brush generator with a cutout. This is a very simple setup not hard to check or fix.

3) If you are not familiar with generators and regulators you need a good auto electrician or auto electric shop. In a rural or small town area there is usually an old shop with an old gray haired or bald headed mechanic who fixes the generators on all the farm tractors, stationary engines, farm machinery, etc.