A. If the starting motor fails to act, after pushing the button, first inspect the terminal on the starting motor, the two terminals on the battery and the two terminals on starting switch, making sure all the connections are tight; then examine the wiring for a break in the insulation that would cause a short circuit. If the wiring and connections are O. K. and the starting motor fails to act, test the battery with the hydrometer. If the hydrometer reading is less than 1.225 the trouble is no doubt due to a weak or discharged battery.
Q. How is the generator operated?
A. The generator is mounted on the right hand side of the engine and bolted to the cylinder front end cover. It is operated by the pinion on the armature shaft engaging with the large time gear. The charging rate of the generator is set so as to cut in at engine speeds corresponding to ten miles per hour in high speed and reaches a maximum charging rate at twenty miles per hour. At higher speeds the charge will taper off, which is a settled characteristic of battery charging. This operation of cutting in and cutting out at suitable speeds is accomplished by the cut-out, which is mounted on the dash. This cut-out is set properly at the factory and should not under any circumstances be tampered with.
Q. What about oiling?
A. The starting motor is lubricated by the Ford splash system, the same as the engine and the transmission. The generator is lubricated by a splash of oil from the time gears. In addition an oil cup is located at the end of the generator housing and a few drops of oil should be applied occasionally.
Q. What should be done when repairing the ignition?
A. The introduction of a battery current into the magneto will discharge the magnets and whenever repairing the ignition system or tampering with the wiring in any way, do not fail to disconnect the positive wire from the battery. The end of this wire should be wound with tape to prevent its coming in contact with the ignition system or metal parts of the car.
Q. How does the charging indicator work?
A. The charging indicator is located on the instrument board. This indicator registers “charge” when the generator is charging the battery and “discharge” when the lights are burning and the engine not running above ten miles per hour. At an engine speed of 15 miles per hour or more the indicator should show a reading of from 10 to 12 even with the lights burning. If the engine is running above 15 miles per hour and the indicator does not show “charge,” first inspect the terminal posts on the indicator, making sure that the connections are tight, then disconnect the wire from the terminal on generator, and with the engine running at a moderate speed, take a pair of pliers or a screw driver and short circuit the terminal stud on the generator to the generator housing. If the generator is O.K., a good live spark will be noted. (Do not run the engine any longer than is necessary with the terminal wire disconnected.) Next inspect the wiring from the generator through the charging indicator to the battery for a break in the insulation that would result in a short circuit.
Q. How are the lights operated?