Re: Voltage Regulation, Re: 1959 Starflite

[legendre]

quote FrankR:

And that’s the whole point. A load OR a low battery can draw more than ten amps causing overheating of the generator. The correct regulator limits the current to ten A.

So then, did the original mechanical reg. have a current limiter? Honest question, I’ve never worked with older HD bikes.

If memory serves, smaller cycle-type regulators (Lucas, Bosch, etc.) didn’t have current limiting – they’re the simple two-coil type, one cutout and one regulator. They weren’t known for burning up armatures.

Another question, while we’re at it – at what speed is the OPs gen. driven? Cycles typically drive the gen. at crank speed, while automotive applications drive the alternator / gen. at about 2X crank speed. What’s the ratio for this OBM system?

quote RVPapasso:

The correct JP Cycle part number is 381-309 which is for the Harley generator, 12V, type “A” field, 10A generator. P/N 381-329 is a voltage rectifier/voltage regulator for the mid 70’s/80’s Harley alternator equipped models, the so called “cone shovel heads”. P/N 381-329 will not work with a generator.

This is absolutely correct, #381-309 is the one you’d want.. Price is better than the Podtronics as well. However, I don’t see any current specs for it.. does anyone else have that info?

ETA: Just noticed this..

quote RVPapasso:

OMC always used what is called a 3 unit mechanical regulator:

– One unit isolates the battery from the generator so the battery does not discharge into the generator at low RPMs
– One unit controls the voltage regulation
– One unit current limits the generator output to 10 amps to protect the generator. A condition that would be encountered typically with a partially or dead battery.

Ok, so the OMC +did+ have a current reg – that’s surprising to me. But does the HD reg you’re suggesting also have the current reg coil?