Posted by Al Evangelista on April 02, 2000 at 23:14:37:
In Reply to: m-37 polarity posted by derek on March 26, 2000 at 22:13:57:
Derek, The generator regulator contains 3 relays, the driver's side relay controls the charging voltage, the center relay limits the charging current, the relay nearest the passenger side is the cutout relay. When working correctly the cutout relay will disengage the generator from the batteries when the generator RPM drops below the point where the generator is able to charge the batteries. Below this point, if the generator stays connected it will act as a motor being driven from your batteries. This relay is wound with heavy wire as the full charging current is being handled by this relay.
Perhaps the simplest solution is to go with a solid state regulator (around $25 used) or If you feel comfortable doing so you can try to adjust the spring tension at the back of the cutout relay so that it has a tendency to disengage sooner.
I recently went with the solid state option (took a few tries before I found a working unit) and am happy with the results. If you don't have the tools, etc. adjusting a traditional regulator can quickly lead to problems.
Good Luck,
Al