Sat Sep 23, 2023 10:29 am by cornbinder89
You can re-adjust the regulator so you get 30 amps, you could go a little over if needed, but once you go over by 10% or more you risk overheating the windings.
To read generator max output, you have to load the system so that current is what limits the generator. It can be done with a carbon pile, or by turning everything on.
Either a clamp on ammeter over the armature wire or an ammeter placed in series (not to ground) will show the output. You need to raise the speed. If you watch the ammeter you see it start to bounce, that is when it reaches the setting.
I should back up a bit and explain how the regulator work. There are three "bobbins" or "relays" under the cover. One disconnects the generator when it is not makeing power so it doesn't drain the battery (a generator will act like a motor if connected to power) One limits the amount of field current based on the voltage (voltage regulation) and the last limits the field current based on the output current.
With a fully charged battery, the voltage regulator will be the one that controls the generator as very little output s required to keep the battery charged with just the ign drawing current on the system.
With a low battery or a a heavy draw, the voltage regulator section goes to "full field" calling for max field current to try and bring the voltage up. To prevent the generator from burning itself up, the current regulator takes over and limits the output to a safe level regardless of voltage.
You can adjust these two regulators independently. The voltage should be set for a max voltage of around 7.2 or 7.3 with a full charged battery.
With a full load on the system, the voltage will be below the voltage regulator setting so it will call for full output, the current regulator can then be set to limit the output to match the generator rating.
Both regulators are adjusted by adding or removing spring tension on the movable arm, by bending the tabs holding the spring. Increasing tension raises the setting (current or voltage) decreasing the tension lowers the setting. It doesn't take much to make a big change.
The manual should provide the needed info
I have seen the manual only list the Std generator, but my '48 is all original and has a 50 amp unit on it and the ammeter in the dash is a 50-0-50 gauge. My '42 had a 30 amp unit and 30-0--30 meter.
The 50 amp is much bigger than the the other generators, having two pole shoe screws for each pole shoes through the case. The 30 amp unit is all one diameter with a brush band cover over slots in the rear of the housing for access to the brushes. The 42 amp unit larger at the front then the back and has no brush band cover and the back has opening for access to the brushes.
The design of the generator determines the safe output current. The regulator holds the generator to its safe level, they work as a pair, replacing one without re-setting the other to match, will not get you any change.