Charging system for the 1960 Dodges

[mr. fix it]

Ok, so a quick run down, I'm picking up the Seneca next week and see it has a generator.
Would this be 12volts DC?
Apparently the regulator is flaky so Im on the hunt for pricing on this
I'm goigling and finding nada on this system so far.

Thanks very much,
Tom

 

[Big_John]

MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - Service Manuals

12 volts, and everything is always DC

 

[Big_John]

The regulator is more complicated than one for an alternator. There's a voltage regulator, a current regulator and a "cut-out" relay. The cut out relay is important as it shuts off the current from the battery to the generator. If it doesn't work, it will drain the battery over night.

The good news is the regulator is very repairable and adjustable.

Just thinking about it.... I might have a paper copy of the FSM... Let me look around.

 

[cantflip]

MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - Service Manuals

12 volts, and everything is always DC

Been looking for an A/C battery...

 

[Big_John]

Been looking for an A/C battery...

Well... the alternator makes AC that is converted to DC...

 

[cantflip]

Well... the alternator makes AC that is converted to DC...

You deserved that after the 710 fluid help

 

[Big_John]

You deserved that after the 710 fluid help

That's true!!

BTW, I took that pic myself.

 

[mr. fix it]

MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - Service Manuals

12 volts, and everything is always DC

I Should have been clearer...

6v DC or 12 v DC

 

[mr. fix it]

Well... the alternator makes AC that is converted to DC...

Everyone knows that...
Through the rectalfier system...

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Buy ah '60 Plymouth Valiant and don't worry about the generator, 'Cuz you'll have the 1st Alternator Mother Put in 'um.

 

[MoPar Maniac]

Everyone knows that...
Through the rectalfier system...

Prep H...

 

[78Brougham]

The good news is the regulator is very repairable and adjustable

Agreed, most times it's just a matter of a good cleaning of the points inside. They can get corroded pretty easily from sitting.

 

[kmccabe56]

The regulator is more complicated than one for an alternator. There's a voltage regulator, a current regulator and a "cut-out" relay. The cut out relay is important as it shuts off the current from the battery to the generator. If it doesn't work, it will drain the battery over night.

The good news is the regulator is very repairable and adjustable.

Just thinking about it.... I might have a paper copy of the FSM... Let me look around.

If you're changing the regulator the new one needs to be polarized. As it comes out of the box, it's capable of either charging positive ground or negative ground. There are instructions in the FSM on using a short piece of wire and touching two of the terminals on the regulator to convince it to charge with a negative ground. This is something you don't want to get wrong.

 

[Zymurgy]

If you're changing the regulator the new one needs to be polarized. As it comes out of the box, it's capable of either charging positive ground or negative ground. There are instructions in the FSM on using a short piece of wire and touching two of the terminals on the regulator to convince it to charge with a negative ground. This is something you don't want to get wrong.

Learn something new every day. Interesting.

 

[mr. fix it]

I found the interior lights switch was in the on position
This may be the cause of the dead battery
I'll charge and test soon
Too little time and so much to do....

 

[mr. fix it]

If you're changing the regulator the new one needs to be polarized. As it comes out of the box, it's capable of either charging positive ground or negative ground. There are instructions in the FSM on using a short piece of wire and touching two of the terminals on the regulator to convince it to charge with a negative ground. This is something you don't want to get wrong.

If I have to clean contacts only do I do the same thing?

 

[kmccabe56]

If I have to clean contacts only do I do the same thing?

Don't believe so, no. Once it is polarized it should stay that way. Best way to be sure is once you have the contacts cleaned and re-assembled, fire the car up and check the amp gauge. If it goes towards charge as you rev up the engine, it's all good. Otherwise I'd say it needs to be polarized again.

 

[mr. fix it]

Ok next question
It may sound silly but the car is 12v negative ground right?
I've got the FSM but it doesn't mention + or - ground

Battery is charged
I had to disconnect the ground cable to charge it
Is this an affect of a genny system?

 

[tallhair]

Ok next question
It may sound silly but the car is 12v negative ground right?
I've got the FSM but it doesn't mention + or - ground

Battery is charged
I had to disconnect the ground cable to charge it
Is this an affect of a genny system?

That doesn't sound right. How does it charge when you drive it if it won't charge with the ground cable connected?

 

[mr. fix it]

I don't know yet...
It may have been so dead it was almost doing a reversed cell situation or if the regulator is pooched it may be doing some funky charge thing