Fifth Avenue Internet Garage

Tech Tip Archives

Just like with anything...if you spend enough time doing it you tend to get good at it, and you learn a few shortcuts to make your life easier. Having spent twenty plus years solving electrical, cooling, and fuel related problems on all types of antique and classic vehicles, I have "earned" a few tech tips that I want to share with you. Check back often, as I will keep adding to the list as time allows. For more tech tips, check out the Tech Tip Archives.

Randy

Is it the Generator or Regulator that is bad?

Use a jumper wire to ground the FIELD terminal of the regulator to the engine block. This will by-pass the regulator to see if the generator is working. If you increase the engine rpms and the output increases (watch the amp gauge in the dash) the chances are good that the generator is fine and the regulator is at fault. If there is no increase in output remove the ground from the engine block and strike it against the engine block. If you do NOT get any sparks that will confirm the generator is not working.