I have a stock '55 TBird, converted to 12 volts. The generator worked great until i let the car sit for a couple months. After sitting, the car started fine and ran fine but "GEN" lite was on and unit was not charging. A friend took the generator and fixed it (don't know what he did). But the problem ocurred again after the car was again inactive for a couple months.

What's happening to the generator when it sits for an extended period? Should i convert to an alternator? If so what type alternator do you guys recommend?

Steve

Did you polarize the charging system, per the shop manual, after R & R of the generator?

Jeff Petersen

Could it be a problem with the Regulator ?

Paul

With my 57 Bird, the generator light will stay on for several minutes after the car has been sitting for a month or so.  I rev it a few times and wait a few minutes and then the light goes out.  Only happens after the car has sat for a month or so.  I've not really tried to figure it out since it seems to be self correcting.  Have you tried just letting it run for a while to see if the light goes out by itself?

Steve,

A different school of thought. I as one of my other interests own a number of Italian motorcycles. Italian bikes have a somewhat reputation as far as electrics. (read a English car's electrics with ATTITUDE).

It is accepted that motor vehicles that sit for a period loose charge and can be hard to start. Trickle chargers help in this regard as they keep the battery at optimum levels so that when required the motor vehicle has enough charge.  Many generators and alternators do not charge at idle they need to maintain higher RPM to produce a charge (and time). Especially when sitting for extended periods batteries need time to charge and it is possible that with a good charging system that you discharge a battery with multiple start, stop, idle situations.

Buy yourself a cheap multimeter learn how to use it. I'd consider a charger (ensure that it is a maintenance charger) both of which are affordable.

I do like what Jeff has suggested and polarize the system but if you car is sitting for extended periods you need to maintain battery charge. Most charging systems work at about 13-15 volts (to charge 12v you need higher) once you get  down to around 12v you will have trouble starting.    

With a multimeter you will be able to see if the car is charging. 

cheers

Warren

Grizzly (Aussie Mainline)

Steve,

The "poles" of a generator (not alternator) are made of "soft iron" for magnetic purposes; they can and will slowly lose their "residual" magnetism over a prolonged period of time of non-use.  The "cure" is to re-polarize the generator when needed.

Hope that this helps you.

Regards,   JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top