Batteries
Out of
Sight Out of Mind?
By:
Andy Wiedeman
Member of the Rocky Mountain A’s of
December 2007.
This research
paper is intended to provide basic information on automotive batteries and the
charging system for the Model A Ford built between the years 1928 and 1931,
however, as much of the information is
general in nature it applies to automotive
batteries of all types.
The Model A Ford
was delivered from the factory with a positive grounded 6 volt battery that had
an 80 Amp Hour capacity. The Model A
battery was the same battery that Ford had used on its Model T from 1919 to
1927. The battery was charged in the vehicle by a
two pole 3rd brush type generator which delivered its maximum current
about 1200 rpm then tapered off as the speed of the engine increased. At rest the generator was disconnected from
the battery by a mechanical relay (the “cutout”) which was activated above about 700 rpm. The Model A did not have a voltage regulator,
therefore the battery was prone to overcharging. The charging current was manually adjusted
seasonally, or by special needs, by the owner according to his driving
conditions.
Owners of
restored Model A Fords have several options available to them to keep their
batteries fresh and increase their battery life. This report discusses options for improving
the battery charging system, while keeping the “authentic look” of the Model A
generator.
How to use this document
on the web.
Footnotes
will be found at the end of the paper.
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The
Table of Contents are links to the paragraphs and sections. Click the title to read the information .
The
Table of Figures are also links to the figures.
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This report has the
following information:
·
·
Quantifies,
the original Model A Ford battery capability versus temperature.
·
How
to set the original Model A charging system to minimize overcharging
·
How
to eliminate battery overcharging and extend Model A battery life
·
How
to improve the Model A charging system
·
How
to select between using a generator or an alternator
·
How
to store and maintain a Model A battery - Winterizing
·
·
Provides
information on replacement batteries
·
Included
is a short history of automotive electrical
generation, and the evolution of modern charging systems
Table of
Contents
Typical
Automotive Battery Design
The Original Model A Ford
Storage Battery
The Original Model A Ford Battery Design
The Original Model A Ford Battery Capacity
The Original Model A Ford Recharging Time
Versus Temperature
Longer
Life with Electrolyte Level Checks
Longer
Life by Maintenance Charging during Winter
Longer
Life by Preventing Overcharging
Generator Charging Rate
Settings to Prevent Overcharging
The
Model A Instruction Book Information on Battery Charging Rate
The
Ford Motor Company Service Bulletins on Charging Rates
Other
sources of Information on Generator Charging Rates
Summary
of Battery Charge Rate Recommendations.
Driving
and Touring Settings for the Restored Model A
What
to do About Overcharging?
Generator or Alternator …
What are my Choices?
How to Choose A Solution
to Overcharging
State
of Charge versus Battery Voltage
Check
and/or Improve Your Battery Connections
Ways
to Increase Battery Voltage or Capacity
Battery
Charging Voltage Set Points
Battery
Maintenance Charger System for the Model A
Battery Charging in the
Vehicle
Appendix
1 … Battery Availability
Appendix
2 … Capacity versus Discharge Rate
Appendix
3 … Voltage Regulators & Alternators
Cover
Band Mounted Internal Generator Voltage Regulator
Cutout
Mounted Generator Voltage Regulator