I need to polarize my generator. It is an electric frank with only two wires red(a) and green(f). Anyone have info on how? From what I have got from research I need a battery and touch + to red(a) and - to green(f). Can anyone verify? I don't want to fry my generator...

 

Your question didn't belong in the "New Members Area".
It's for introductions. So it was moved in one of the other forums.

 

Ask about it on xlforum.net, there are a lot of Ironhead experts over there. I know there was a recent post about polarizing your generator properly. You are most likely correct, I polarized my VW genny using the + and f terminals.


John

 

To polarize the generator you want to touch the battery positive (+) to the armature post (A). This is if everything else is installed on the bike how it should be.

 

Yep, just touch it. Should get a small arc. That way the polarity will be correct. Did it many times on my 1972 XLCH.

 

So just the positive (+)?

 

Exactly as I said before. Do not ground the field coil. That is only done during testing, and for a very short time at that. It can ruin the generator if you do that. Again, this only works if the gen is on the bike and the regulator and battery are properly hooked up/grounded.

If you are doing this on the bench or with parts off you will have to do things differently.

 

Thank you very much I am still learning when it comes to this motorcycle, I have never had a harley before. And never thought of one this old, but love learning about it.

 

Old bikes are fun. My first bike was my 2002. Most reliable and best performing, however it is the newest bike I own by more than 15 years (and I own 4 at the moment). Old bikes just have character.

Where abouts in Ohio are you? I'm in Columbus.

 

Snickering in a good way over here, watching the post's go by. Remembering when I had to do my '71 XLH the 1st time, like 6 years ago.
I can just picture Nhut75 standing by his ride, looking down at the generator, then back up at these directions. Every once in a while scanning the area just to make sure nobody was around in case he fried this thing. Maybe he wasn't seeing things right or he was hallucinating.
LMAO I've been there my friend! You're thinking, "these guys must be drunk or high. Maybe this is some kind of Hazing thing.

We don't blame you my friend. What kind of mechanic would actually PURPOSEFULLY tell you to cross the wires right??! Strange but true. He he trust me I did the same thing, except I was by myself talking to my Manual! Lol
It does give dir's in the Manual, but it still don't seem right.

Welcome to Harleyville Fasten your seat belt we're gonna have some fun. Lol