12v generator turns wrong direction

[Christiane Hastert]

Hi, I converted my 356B to 12V and use an 12V Bosch Generator from an old Porsche 12v industrial engine.
The light from regulator did never go off, so I investigated and the generator did not give any 12v output. I did then read the article from Greg Bryan how to polarize the generator:
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1) Polarizing the Generator — if your generator has been just overhauled or has sat for a very long time, it must be polarized, also known as ‘flashing the field‘. This operation is simple and quick and induces a small amount of residual magnetism in the field coils, which is necessary to get the charging action going.
a) With no drive belt installed, jump DF to ground and apply battery voltage to D+
b) Generator will motor at a moderate speed in a clockwise direction when viewed
from the pulley end if all is well.
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My generator turns counter-clockwise when I add 12v and I do not know why. Anybody has an idea?
It has an arrow with right direction too.

[John Brooks]

Try getting it started in the proper direction before applying the ground, it’s polarized backwards. Spin it then apply the ground, it’s a good generator.

[Paul Lima]

I'm pretty sure that if you followed the directions you described and the generator runs CCW as viewed from the rear, that whoever rebuilt the generator wired the field backwards and you'll need to take it apart and fix that field wiring.

[Christiane Hastert]

The generator was never rebuild, came directly from this industrial engine. I will try to apply ground after spinning. Thanks

[Christiane Hastert]

I got a new advise how to polarize the Generator: disconnect Battery completely, put + on housing of generator and just add the minus to the DF for 2 minutes. This made my generator turning clockwise as requested.
The dashboard light is still on, I ordered now a new regulator, then I will try again.

[Jacques Lefriant]

Hi
you just made your generator produce -(Neg)12Volts you have to reverse your field windings like Paul suggested. The regulator will not rectify the problem unless you are going to Lucas for all your electrics.
j

[Jules Dielen]

Was the generator working before you installed it?

[Christiane Hastert]

That's what I was told, i will check with a specialised shop, lets see the result.

[Jacques Lefriant]

Hi Christiane
did you resolve the problem? BTW your picture shows a 6 Volt housing.
j

[Christiane Hastert]

Well, basically not, I purchased a new one, which worked well immediately, so it was not the regulator. I will send it now to the guy from where I purchased the new one, he thinks too that it is the field wounding and will correct it. I will only send it next week as he was closed during August. I will keep you posted. I am now in process of getting it on the street, papers are all approved, it has been classified as historical car for Europe and next week will follow a final check by Technical Inspection Association an then I will be on the road for the Ferry Porsche's birthday Christiane

[Wes Bender]

Nice looking car, Christiane!

[Al Zim]

If the picture you have posted is your 12 volt generator then IT WILL NOT WORK. The picture shows a 6 VOLT generator that is used on a VW or Porsche Automobile. Industrial engine generators usually produce 10 amps or so when charging. All that is necessary on Industrial engines it to provide power to the coil and charge the battery. The windings on the armature and the field coils are different for 6 or 12 volt generators.