After a very wet journey - low beam lights and wipers, I pulled up into my driveway and turned the motor off to open the garage doors. The car wouldn't restart - flat battery. It appears that the generator either wasn't charging at all, or wasn't charging sufficient to overcome the electrical load from headlights and wipers.
I have removed the generator and checked brushes, cleaned the commutator etc. Also confirmed that the generator works as a motor (as per Moss YouTube video).
I also found an online version of a Lucas Generator and Control Box testing handbook and have also carried out a couple of the recommended tests with the generator reinstalled.
I am trying to better understand the test results and I am hoping that someone out there may have some insights:
Test 1: Generator disconnected, voltmeter reading from "D" terminal to earth.
This showed 0.8V at 750 rpm and 2.0V at 2000 rpm (3000 rpm at generator). Based on my reading of the testing handbook, this is as expected and shows that the armature and brush connections are OK.
Test 2: Similar to above but with "D" and "F" connected. Voltmeter reading from "D" terminal to earth.
This showed 9V at 800rpm and 16V at 1100rpm. Again, based on my reading of the testing handbook, this is as expected and shows that the generator is operating OK.
Have also tested continuity from generator to control box and that shows full continuity of the wiring.
Other testing:
Resistance "D" terminal to "F" terminal: 8 ohms
Resistance "D" terminal to ground: 6.7 ohms
Resistance "F" terminal to ground 1.9 ohms
Do any of these results look odd? I still need to check the control box but I am trying to confirm that nothing in the generator testing indicates an issue?
Paul R
Melbourne
I have removed the generator and checked brushes, cleaned the commutator etc. Also confirmed that the generator works as a motor (as per Moss YouTube video).
I also found an online version of a Lucas Generator and Control Box testing handbook and have also carried out a couple of the recommended tests with the generator reinstalled.
I am trying to better understand the test results and I am hoping that someone out there may have some insights:
Test 1: Generator disconnected, voltmeter reading from "D" terminal to earth.
This showed 0.8V at 750 rpm and 2.0V at 2000 rpm (3000 rpm at generator). Based on my reading of the testing handbook, this is as expected and shows that the armature and brush connections are OK.
Test 2: Similar to above but with "D" and "F" connected. Voltmeter reading from "D" terminal to earth.
This showed 9V at 800rpm and 16V at 1100rpm. Again, based on my reading of the testing handbook, this is as expected and shows that the generator is operating OK.
Have also tested continuity from generator to control box and that shows full continuity of the wiring.
Other testing:
Resistance "D" terminal to "F" terminal: 8 ohms
Resistance "D" terminal to ground: 6.7 ohms
Resistance "F" terminal to ground 1.9 ohms
Do any of these results look odd? I still need to check the control box but I am trying to confirm that nothing in the generator testing indicates an issue?
Paul R
Melbourne