Burned Resistors, Windings Or; Cleaning Contact Points - Cadillac 54-6219 1954 Shop Manual

11-15
ENGINE ELECTRICAL
4. If output increases
more than 2 amperes,
oxidized points are indicated and both voltage and
current regulator points should be cleaned.
5. If output remains low, test the generator.
6. If no output at alt is obtainedfrom the gener
ator, make sure cut-out relay is operating, since
it may be failing to close, due to an open circuit
in the core winding.
e. Burned Resistors, Windings, or Contacts
These result from open circuit operation or
high resistance in the charging circuit. Where
burned resistors, windings, or contacts are found,
always check car wiring before installing a new
regulator. Otherwise, the new regulator may also
fail in the same way.
f. Burned Relay Contact Points
This is due to reversed generator polarity.
Generator polarity must be corrected after any
checks of the regulator or generator, or after dis
connecting and reconnecting leads.
25
Cleaning Contact Points
The contact points of a regulator witlnotoperate
indefinitely without some attention. It has been
found that a great majority of all regulator trouble
can be eliminated by a simple cleaning of the con
tact points, plus some possible readjustments, The
flat points should be cleaned with a spoon or riffler
file. A flat file cannot be usedsuccessfutlyto clean
the flat contact points, since it will not touch the
center of the flat point where point wear is most
apt to occur. On negative grounded regulators which
have the flat contact points on the regulator arma
tures, loosen the contact bracket mounting screws
so that the brackets can be tilted to one side. Never
use emery cloth or sandpaper to clean the contact
points.
26
Voltage Regulator Adlustments
The voltage control unit of the regulator limits
charging system voltage to the value for which the
unit is adjusted. This test should be made at normal
operating temperature.
1. Make certain jumper wire is removed from
field terminal of generator.
2. Switch voltmeter to 16 volt scale and rezero
the pointer to the set line while pressing the chrome
button.
Fig. 11-17 Voltage Regulator Adiustrnent
"BAT" terminal and to the loose insulated wire con
nector as indicated in Fig. 11-17. No potarity pre
cautions are required.
4. Connect voltmeter
across charging circuit,
putting red clip on regulator "BAT" terminal and
black clip on ground.
NOTE:
Since the voltage drop tests have been
made, making certain regulator is properly ground
ed, the black clip can be connected to the regula
tor base, generator frame, or the negative bat
tery clamp.
5, Start engine and run at 1500 R.P.M. to nor
malize temperature of voltage regulator unit,
NOTE:
The regulator cover must be in place
during this procedure. If the system has started
out cold, a warm-up period of 15 minutes, with
the voltage regulator operating, would be neces
sary. Be certain all lights and accessories are
"OFF".
6. The next step is to cycle the regulator. This
is done by slowing the engine down briefly. Move
the red voltmeter clip to the "GEN" terminal
and reduce engine speed until generator voltage
drops to 4 volts. Then move voltmeter clip back
to "BAT" terminal,
7, Slowly increase engine speed to 1500 R.P.M.
and note voltmeter reading. The reading should be
between 13.8 and 14.8 volts.
to Battery
Connect to Ground
Regulator
Battery
Field
1/4 Ohm
Approx. 25 W
F
Voltmeter
Generator
3. Connect a 1/4 ohm resistor to the regulator