TR2/3/3A TR3 Generator Question

[mountainman]

I am installing a new generator on my TR3 and was wondering if I need to polarize it.
Thanks
Greg

 

[Andrew Mace]

It can't hurt and probably is worth doing. Some will (eventually) polarize themselves, but....

 

[TR3driver]

A new generator will almost certainly require polarizing (especially since you don't know if the manufacturer tested it for positive ground or negative ground).

But it's best to install it first anyway, and it's easy enough to start the engine and see if the generator takes off. If the red light goes out, you're good to go. If not, it's easy enough to polarize.

 

[Sarastro]

Yeah, Andy's quite right--it's probably not necessary, but, then again, it might be, and in any case, won't hurt.

The reason for flashing it is to make sure that the metal core of the field coils, which can get slightly magnetized in operation, is magnetized with the right polarity. This probably is not an issue in a new generator, but you never know. More of an issue when you change from positive to negative ground.

 

[Moseso]

The rule-of-thumb handed down to me is that an auto generator should be polarized whenever it has been disconnected from the system. And, like everybody else has said, it's easy to do, and can't hurt.

 

[tomgt6]

I know there was a link or something some one posted not to long ago but I can't find it on how to polarize the generator. Does someone have a link or pdf of how to?

 

[NutmegCT]

Here you go!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Whenever you install a new generator, it must be polarized positive or negative ground to match the car's wiring. To do this, use the following procedure.

1. Connect a length of 14-Gauge (or similar) wire to the 'A' terminal of the Control Box (voltage regulator).

2. Quickly swipe the opposite end of the wire two or three times across the 'F' terminal on the back of the generator. The 'F' terminal is the smaller of the two. There should be a small spark.

DO NOT CONNECT THE WIRE TO THE GENERATOR or leave it in contact with the generator for more than a split second. Avoid touching the wire to anything else.

3. Enjoy your car.[/QUOTE]

from: https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/538085/

Hope this helps!
Tom

 

[TR3driver]

Lots of ways to do it. On a TR2-4, remove the wire from the F terminal on the regulator, and brush it against the A or A1 terminal. Put it back, you're done.

 

[NutmegCT]

Or if you're a right-brained person:

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[tomgt6]

I assume the car isn't running when you do this.

 

[Moseso]

I assume the car isn't running when you do this.

That is correct.

 

[TR3driver]

Actually doesn't matter, you can do it with the engine running if you like; as long as the D terminal remains connected to the control box.

I have even been known to polarize a generator by removing the cover from the control box, and jamming the cutout contacts closed with my thumb. This isn't necessarily recommended procedure, but works fine if the generator is healthy otherwise.

 

[Moseso]

Randall --
You're an ANIMAL!