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ENGINE ELECTRICAL
11-3
When current from the "A" terminal ofthegenera
tor reaches the value for which the current regula
tor is set, magnetism opens those points, sending
the generator field current through a resistance to
ground. This, in turn, weakens the generator out
put and the cycle repeats itself from 150 to 250
times per second. Either the voltage regulator or
the current regulator operates a any one time
-
the two do not operate at the same time.
Spring tensions in the individual units of the
generator regulator are adjusted by means of screw
type
adjusters which afford a simple, accurate
regulator armature adjustment.
The 12 volt starter motor for 1954 has a spiral
splined
drive shaft for smoother meshing of gears.
The gear ratio between the starter and the flywheel
has been increased to lessen the load on the battery
when the starter is engaged.
The new four pole four field starter motor drives
the flywheel ring through an over-running clutch
mechanism. This type of drive is so constructed
that the starter pinion, which is solenoid-shifted,
must be in mesh with the flywheelbeforeelectrical
contact with the starter can be made. The starting
motor and solenoid are mounted on the lower fly
wheel housing at the right side of the engine. The
starter motor is operated by a combtnation starter
-
ignition switch, which energizes a solenoid mounted
on the starter housing.
SERVICE INFORMATION
1
Filling the Battery
The battery should be inspected every 2000
miles during the winter and every 1,000 miles,
or every month, during warm weather to make
sure that the electrolyte is kept at the proper
level. Only distilled water kept in a glass, rubber,
or porcelain lined container should be used to re
place liquid lost through evaporation. The water
level should always be maintained to the bottom
of the split ring well.
2
Battery Electrolyte Tests
The electrolyte battery solution can be tested
with a hydrometer. The specific gravity
register5d
by the hydrometer should be 1.260-1.280 at 80 F
when the battery is fully charged. A gravity read
ing of 1.150 or below indicates that the battery is
entirely discharged. Temperature affects the re
sistance of the electrolyte; for this reason, a cold
battery
requires a much higher charging voltage
than a warm battery.
Whenever a reading under 1.250 at 80°F is due
to a temporary abnormal demand for current due
to excessive use of lights or starter, the charging
rate should be sufficient to bring the battery up to
a fully charged conditio8 again. If the electrolyte
tests below 1.200 at 80 F, the battery should be
recharged from an outside source.
3
Causes of Low Battery Conditions
Common causes of low battery conditions other
than that due to a defective battery are listed below,
and should be investigated when it is indicated that
the car has a consistently low battery.
1. Excessive use of accessories with the engine
idling or not running.
2. Leaving the car with the lights onor the doors
open.
3. Improper installation of accessories.
4. Generator belt loose. Tighten belt.
5. Incorrect regulator settings must be corrected
and set preferably toward high limit, as explained
in Notes 26, 27, and 28.
6. Self-discharge resulting from a dirty battery
case.
7, The battery cable and ground strap must be
connected tightly and free of corrosion.
8. If generator output is low it may he checked
and corrected as explained in Note 16.
9. A partial ground in the positive side of battery
circuit. With clock disconnected and all switches in
"OFF" position, a milliammeter or voltmetercon
nected in series between the positive post and the
battery cable should indicate zero.
4
Visual Inspection
1. Inspect positive insulated cable and negative
ground strap for corrosion or damage.
2. Inspect metal carrier and hold down clamps
for corrosion. If corrosion exists, it willbeneces
sary to remove clamp and battery from car and pour
warm water over corroded areas in order to loosen
the copper sulphate that has been deposited, so that
it can be brushed off and flushed away.
3. The battery posts and terminals should be in-
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