Subject: Marelli Generator help?
Author: John Wells Jr
Date: Oct 28, 2002, 7:17 PM
Post ID: 1711289816
I've been diagnosing the charging problem with the Ambassador (idiot
light suddenly on, voltage 12.55, no variation with engine speed). Took
apart the voltage regulator, all interior parts and connections bright
and shiny, contacts like new, good ground. Pulled the tank and
generator cover, and disconnected the wire on the terminal on the back
of the generator end cap, started the engine on the fuel in the carbs,
and measured voltage from the terminal on top of the case (white wire)
to the one on the back--2.5V, no variation with engine speed. I'm
assuming the problem is the generator. I didn't try the trick of
sending battery voltage through the field coil to re-energize(?) it. Is
it worth doing, or should I tear into it? There's a decent
auto-electric shop in town, too. Should I try it myself or leave it to a
pro? Any electrical wizards out there? Not much detail in the Premier
manual, and the generator terminals are labeled wrong in the picture to
boot(shows end cap bolts as terminals--I don't think so!!!)
John Wells in PA
1973 Eldorado, 1997 Cal. 1100i w/Ural sidecar
1998 Centauro Sport, 2000 Bassa, 2000 V11 Sport
1970 Police Ambassador, 1972 Nuovo Falcone Military