Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1953 Ford Customline, 1953 ford customline, long stroke

Question
239 ford flathead, rebuilt generator, brand new voltage regulator, Why would the cut out relay bounce while the car is idling, also the battery charges at high rpm's but looses its charge when idling? I'd appreciate any help. I'm pulling my hair out!

Answer
Rene, generators only charge well as the engine speed increases. The current cut out relay, as the component is called, contact points should be open when the engine is idling. This prevents the battery from discharging through the generator at low engine speeds. These older flat head long stroke engines were designed to idle in the 500 or slightly lower rpm range. When I worked as a tune up man in a Ford dealer in Brookline Mass in the early 50's the final test for idle speed was to be sure that the current cut out contacts were open at idle. If the idle speed is correct by the book and the points are still bouncing at idle the regulator is in need of adjustment or replacement.

Brad