Idiot Light

I know that this has been asked probably many times but I don't see it.
My generator is showing charge at the regulator but the idiot light remains on.
Something is obviously wrong but I don't know what.
Your help is appreciated.

1962 f-134 stock elec. system

 

How have you checked the gen output? Not trying to insult your intelligence. Just trying to get a starting point...

 

Howard,
I'm trying to re-wire to finish my build. I'm electrically ignorant and dumb.
Wiring diagrams ( I have one blown up to nearly life size) look like all wires come from the same place on the ignition. (which wire goes to which post) The diagrams of the instrument cluster are only slightly clearer to me.
This is my second build. The first one was done from scratch although I felt like I was buying fuses by the pound before everything finally fell into place....A large thanks to the forum. First build (V6, discs, dual MC, and Saginaw steering) has had no problems since completion.
I have three FSM's but like I said I'm an electrical idiot.
A local mechanic came by this morning and said I was charging at 14V at the gen. and regulator but did not know how to fix the idiot light.
Thank you much.

 

Thank you.
Since this post I have developed a starter issue ( see "starter disaster post" ). I will proceed as you suggest as soon as the starter issue is resolved.
Thank you

 

I did an out of the vehicle test and believe the generator is not genning. I think I will convert to an alternator with the built in regulator (10SI) and try to make my life simpler. I do, however, have a couple of questions that my search did not find.
My belt is 5/8 v-groove. Should I run a narrower belt or look for a wider alternator pulley.
I know that several of you have done this conversion and hope you will share your solutions.
Thanks

 

My third step is Rum and Lemonaide.

 

" I think I will convert to an alternator with the built in regulator (10SI) and try to make my life simpler."

Call me old-fashioned, but I don't see how anything can be much simpler than a generator.

 

Pete, what should I look for to determine why my generator is not working.
I have it on the bench now and can take it apart and work on it.
Thanks

 

Check the brushes - that they are not worn out (too short), dirty, or sticking. Clean the copper commutator segments with solvent, polish with very fine grit sandpaper. Done.
If the windings are shorted that will be a specialist job, but I've never seen it.

Bearings can be replaced as needed.

To generate, the regulator also needs to be working, and anytime it is disconnected it must be "polarized" with the generator when re-connected.
Search here or the FSM for polarizing ("flashing") instructions, as it differs between types.
Regulators are cheap to replace if necessary.

 

Electricity is subtle (except when you get a shock with the 220v, I had one recently) and some people understand it very well. And they are on this forum. Sometimes you believe that it is out of work, but in fact it works, but... when conditions are ok. On my Jeep it works, but I paid a specilist and I don't touch anything now.

 

Generators are simple in concept, but alternators are simple in their own way - and much more efficient. The semiconductor diode makes the alternator possible, and that's why we have generators only in very old cars. If you want to use an alternator, you can make it work. Wide groove pulleys for the alternator are widely available (pun intended) - wide belt alternator pulley - Bing There are plenty of articles about connecting an integrated alternator like the 10SI ... not difficult.