| |
Symptom |
Problem |
Remedy |
A |
Ammeter
|
| (1) |
Ammeter needle stops at a given amperage even though wind gusts are much higher |
Belt is slipping, or see C # 1 & 2 |
Adjust belt, and/or apply belt dressing. Tension should be about 3/4 inch deflection |
| (2) |
Amp needle jumps from zero to given amps consistently bypassing intermediate amperages |
Mercury switch is out of adjustment |
Adjust merc. switch more nearly horizontal |
| (3) |
Amp needle shows field is on (discharge dips to left about 3 amps) |
a. In Low winds, 0-10 mph: Merc. switch is out of adjustment |
Tilt end with wires up slightly |
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b. in high winds without charging |
1. Pos. wire is disconnected somewhere, check turntable assembly brushes. 2. Alternator is faulty |
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c. In low wind when tail is pointing +/- 180 deg from the direction the tail was pointing when first adjusted |
Turntable is not perfectly vertical, inclines enough to affect mercury in field switch |
| (4) |
Amp needle jumps erratically and/or shows strong discharge or no charge at all |
Loose, corroded, or improper connection |
1. Check all wire terminals for loose nuts or connectors, and fatigued or broken wires. Wire fatigue is a sign of vibration. see B, a. & b. |
B |
Vibration
|
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a. Drive pulley is off center. |
Belt tension varies, Turn blade slowly by hand, check belt tension several times per revolution. see Pulley Mount, page 19 paragraph 3 |
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b. Blade is unbalanced |
see Blade Balancing |
C |
Battery and Volt reading
|
| (1) |
Voltmeter shows disconnected battery charge is generally low. Battery charges quickly but won't hold a charge. |
Battery is shot. Charges to capacity, & causes volt regulator to turn off field at about 1-1/2 to 5 Amps output. See A-1 |
Replace faulty cell or entire battery. See Battery maintenance |
| (2) |
Low voltage while alternator is charging. Normal is about 16V |
Alternator or Volt Regulator is faulty, or needs adjustment |
Replace or repair. Ref. local auto mechanic, Auto Parts store, or automotive manual for specific brand/make. |
D |
Feathering
|
| (1) |
Tilt Mechanism is sluggish or won't right itself |
a. Feathering pulley is shot or cable is caught between wheel and cheek |
Replace pulley, check for signs of fraying. |
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b. Spring is weak or broken |
Replace spring, check end hook fixtures |
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c. Feathering axle is stuck |
Clean bushings, apply oil, check for bent axle, loose frame bolts or wood rot. |
| (2) |
Machine makes too much noise |
a. Squeaks |
Oil Bearings, apply belt dressing. Align pulleys so that belt feeds directly and not at a slight angle |
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b. Rumble or flutter |
1. Check for loose blade bearings (blade may need rebalance)
2. Field has no load, battery is charged.
Also see: A. 1 & 2, C. 1 & 2. |