60 Generator Polarizing Issue

[James S.]

This car had been sitting outside for five years so it has taken me along many trials and tribulations trying to get her back to factory specs.

Took the beast our for more miles to continue the drivetrain break in and sure enough the generator was not charging the battery so after about a half hour of driving, the car began to sputter and it finally stalled. Trailered the car and took her back home. Battery reading was 4 volts, so I placed a charger at 2 amps overnight.

From the search thread engine I found out that after removing the battery cables I needed to re-polarize. I also found out that the coil was fried from driving an unpolarized generator. So, I followed the procedures, recharged the battery over night on a 2 amp charge, replaced the coil, then drove the car and all was okay. The dash volt guage was reading on the plus side as I drove. Stopped by a friends house and when departing I noticed the volt guage was was reading on the negative side about half way; it was night and lights were on drawing more current. Upon reaching home I hooked up a voltmeter and the generator was not charging, but stayed at 12 volts. I repolarized and the genrator is charging again.

I'm thinking the new voltage regulator might be the culprit. Any input is very much appreciated.

Jim

[Adam S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

Hi Jim, once you polarize generator its good for the duration of even a trailer queen, only if generator has been sitting for years should you worry about it..... Sounds like brushes on generator are worn or stiff or the points on the inside of regulator may be dirty or sticky.........if not I would change the regulator or replace brushes in gererator to be safe, hope that helps...Adam.

[James S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

Hi Jim, once you polarize generator its good for the duration of even a trailer queen, only if generator has been sitting for years should you worry about it..... Sounds like the points on the inside of regulator may be dirty or sticky.........if not I would change the regulator, hope that helps...Adam.

Thanks Adam.

Heck the new part from CC only has about 130 miles on it. It is a repop, so I guess I shouldn't expect GM quality. I read in another thread that if you disconnected the battery cables, it needed repolarizing. Interesting. I'll remove the regulator tomorrow and check it out. Thanks.

Jim

[Stan G.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

I don't know how that got started about having to repolarize after disconnecting the battery , you are disconnecting the battery everytime you open your disconnect switch . Duh

[Domenic T.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

What Stan says isTRUE.

DOM

I don't know how that got started about having to repolarize after disconnecting the battery , you are disconnecting the battery everytime you open your disconnect switch . Duh

[James S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

I don't know how that got started about having to repolarize after disconnecting the battery , you are disconnecting the battery everytime you open your disconnect switch . Duh

Here's the thread. Look below what John Pirkle says below. Duh

David Thornton (26610)October 1st, 2008 12:34 PM
Re: Polarizing a rebuilt Generator for a '60

From John Pirkles web site.


Quote:
Polarizing

Why: To insure the direction of current flow is to the battery. Incorrect current flow will add the voltages of the generator and battery, and give approximately double voltage across the points of the cutout relay in the regulator. The result: rundown battery, burned or welded together points, and a burnt armature.

When: Anytime battery voltage is removed from the generator; after repair, removal for testing, battery replacement, or use of battery cutoff switch.

How: By connecting jumper lead from hot side of battery to the armature (connecting battery terminal of reg to "A" or "G" terminal). A flash or arc is a normal occurrence during this process.

Some System Guidelines (Do's and Don'ts)
1. Do make sure all electrical connections are clean.
2. Do ensure all ground connections are made.
3. Do keep battery tops/cable ends clean.
4. Do disconnect battery whenever removing/installing electrical components.
5. Do Not charge your battery with the cables connected.
6. Do Not use your generator OR alternator to charge your dead battery.
7. Do Not connect the black cable to negative if you have spring ring battery cables.
8. Do Not test your charging system by removing a battery cable while the vehicle is running.

[Jim D.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

Here's the thread. Look below what John Pirkle says below. Duh

I've been disconnecting my battery every time I'm done driving the car and have NEVER polarized the generator. I've been doing it this way for over 35 years without a problem, do you think I should start now? DUH! While John's posts are helpful, they are not correct.

[James S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

I've been disconnecting my battery every time I'm done driving the car and have NEVER polarized the generator. I've been doing it this way for over 35 years without a problem, do you think I should start now? DUH! While John's posts are helpful, they are not correct.

If you're so sure that John Pirkle is wrong, then why don't you call him and tell him he is spreading misinformation and doesn't know what he is talking about. This forum recommended John Pirkle as the best restorer of generators and voltage regulators. I'm surly not wasting any more of my time with your comments about John Pirkle, so please move on.

[Jim D.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

If you're so sure that John Pirkle is wrong, then why don't you call him and tell him he is spreading misinformation and doesn't know what he is talking about. This forum recommended John Pirkle as the best restorer of generators and voltage regulators. I'm surly not wasting any more of my time with your comments about John Pirkle, so please move on.

Read the above posts or do a search and you'll find that there is NO reason to polarize your generator every time you disconnect the battery. While John is supposedly good, I've never used him, I don't find the need to use his services for something a simple as a generator. It's kind of like hiring an "expert" to put air in your tires. Since you're a NEWBIE looking for advice, you've been given it. Do with it what you like.

[Adam S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

Just some helpfull lost street knowledge I picked up from my grandpaw's friend who ran "Rocks Starter & Generator shop" from 1940's to 1970's, I was told if you can sence a slight magnetic pull by touching a very light piece of metal (like a non magnatized pocket screwdriver) across outer generator housing, again very important NON MAGNATIZED METAL OBJECT it will usually still be polorized in direction it last was set at in most cases. Just crude street knowledge guys & girls. I checked mine a little while ago & it is still magnatic. I am not a expert on this subject but I did have one generator that lost its magnatic pull over the years sitting under a work bench.

I am not worring about something so small of an issue as polarizing gen everytime I disconect battery even if points on reg. pit, but I will keep my clock & cigerette lighter disconected untill show or cruse days.

[James S.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

Thanks for the constructive comment Adam.

[Philip P.]

Re: 60 Generator Polarizing Issue

I had my generator rebuilt about a month ago and had it checked with the regulator at the rebulders shop, I ask him if I needed to polarize the system after I installed it. No it was done he stated. Made the trip to the car and connected it. I have always wondered way some think there is a need to repolarize once it is done and no other maintenace has been performed. I donot know anyone that uses a battery disconnect and repolarizes each time the car is used. I know it will not hurt to do it provided you dont short something else out that is one benifit of a glass car however..
My opinion.
Phil