jtranger

I am going to replace the voltage regulator on my '61 and not sure whether the amperage is 30 or 35. I believe the generator is bad. Is there a way to tell the amperage of the generator? Thanks

kcust62

Larry,
Included is a basic generator charging circuit from the 50's. If you have an amprobe clamp type meter, simply clamp it to the wire from the generator armature to the generator connection on the VR. If you don't have the clamp type, remove the wire from the generator and place the typical ammeter test leads in series with the circuit, exactly as shown by the dashboard ammeter in the diagram. Typically there can be 2 to 40 amps depending on the rpms of the engine. At idle, there is usually 2-5 amps output. As engine rpms increase, so will the current output, possibly to 40 amps at high throttle depending on the generator rating and the condition of the battery. Good luck!

Frankie the Fink

Here is a simpler way:

It's in the specification section of the ST-12...generator 1102043 had 30 amps output and was the same for 59,60 and 61.

62Jeff

I'm still lost as to the relationship between replacing the regulator to fix a bad generator.

Frankie the Fink

I was assuming he was converting to solid state V/R at the same time he was fixing the bad generator (as discussed in a related thread)....maybe I jumped to a false conclusion.

62Jeff

Dunno, probably just had a stream of consciousness thought and is really going to replace the regulator (as you surmise) to align with whatever generator he gets.

Donald #31176

If the generator you re using has a tach drive, the generator has an output of 30 amps. The 35 amp generator did not have a tach drive. The 35 amp generator was used with cars equipped with FI for the 61 model year.

jtranger

Jeff, The tests showed the generator is bad. The VR looks old so I am going to replace it as well. I will have the old VR converted to solid state as Frank suggested. I am going to have the generator rebuilt.

62Jeff

jtranger

Frank, There is no tag on the generator. Is a number stamped on the case somewhere? I couldn't find one.

Frankie the Fink

No, if the tag is gone you're a little screwed. Having the V/R setup for 30 amps will work just fine... I know your car is not a fuelie...