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New To A 55 Cj5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jesus R Vallina, Nov 23, 2020.

  1. Jesus R Vallina

    Jesus R Vallina New Member

    Hello everyone I come from a family of Jeeps from my dads 45 in 1945 to my 2014 WKII, I started working on Jeeps in the 80s now I have a 55 CJ5 in my garage and I'm having a blast learning how they were built and how they work. this 55 is not all original but its close. the body is a aftermarket body but the engine and drive train is all original. my first goal was to get engine to start, I have that done. who knew you can buy points for a 1955 at O'Reilly's auto parts. now my problem. the Jeep still has the original generator (auto-lite CCW-60001D 7G with a newer looking regulator (8KA on the bottom) I cant find anything else on the regulator. I jumped the field to the ground and put a 12 volt to the AMP and the generator spins so I'm guessing its fine. the brushes look new but I dont think they fit right the leads coming out the top look way to fat. Also if I touch any two of the commutator I get continuity normal electric motors dont act like that. I have done so many test the problem is I dont know what is right. I know the battery i'm using is not the best but it does start the Jeep. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to convert it to any alternator. the way I look at it if its good enough to win a war its good enough for me.
     
    Glenn likes this.
  2. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Welcome from Washington state! Post your questions to the appropriate forum and you'll likely get quick answers. We also like pictures.
     
  3. Dont know how to help with the generator, but i would recommend the pertronix Ignitor system, does away with the points and makes starting exponentially more reliable. my jeep had the stock ignition, and was not at all ideal, and a roughly $130 part fixed it.
    PerTronix 2541 Ignitor Autolite 4 cyl
     
  4. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hah, for some reason I thought I was in the introductions thread when I read this post. You've posted your question in the right place, but should to an intro post too.
     
  5. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Welcome.

    If your generator is original, it is probably six volts for a 1955. Jumping with 12volts would not be healthy for the regulator.

    Unlike some others, I have no problem at all with OEM points and ignition systems systems. Part of the history and lore of older vehicles, a skill to enjoy learning. They worked fine for a century already.
     
    Glenn likes this.
  6. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    The biggest problem with a points system nowadays is the quality of parts not being near as good as they used to be, and the condensor has turned out to be the number one failure item. This is something that I believe we all agree on. Having spare ignition parts is important. The aftermarket electronic distributors have also proven to be hit or miss when it comes to reliability. My wagon still has points and a generator.
     
    PeteL likes this.
  7. Jesus R Vallina

    Jesus R Vallina New Member

    thanks for the advice I will keep it in mind if I start having problems with the points I know the distributer is a little worn out it has a very slight wobble on the shaft but it cracks up on the first try. my problem now is the charging problem or lack of charging.
     
  8. Jesus R Vallina

    Jesus R Vallina New Member

    The problem is the Jeep had a 12 volt battery when I got it so I would think if it was a 6volt it has been converted I would hope when they changed the starter they would have changed the generator, plus all the lights work, I would think if they were 6 volt hooking a 12 volt system to it, it would have fried all the 6 volt lights, I do see on the wireing harness on the regulator the battery cable looks like it over heated big time. the rubber insulator melted and the terminal is discolored.
     
  9. Jesus R Vallina

    Jesus R Vallina New Member

    I will do that. thank you.