How does single phase work?

[touchwoodsden]

Can someone please explain to me how a single phase generator works?

I know how three-phase and rectification works, what is confusing me are the 2 wires which do not appear to be live and earth but both live depending on what is connected to where.
If I connect one of them to the regulator the other produces live when disconnected (on test lamp) and vice versa. If I rev the engine the test lamp goes brighter which is good sign..I think

I think the regulator has gone tits up (because juice appears to be going in but nothing appears to be going out and it gets warm quite quickly even when just ticking over) but before I go and buy another one I would like to understand how the alternator/generator single phase works.

Thanks everyone

[gilburton]

What is this on?

[touchwoodsden]

What is this on?

Lombardini 1003. I understand they are Kohler in the USA

It hasa 4 spade/wire regulator.

Two from the genny.
One to battery
One to earth

and case to earth

[gilburton]

According to the manual it shouldn't have a regulator? Page 68/69

http://service.lombardinigroup.it/docum ... 0Motor.pdf

[sbrumby]

If it has a normal alternator as in a smaller version that is in a car driven by a fan belt then the regulator is built into the alternator . usually just two wires come out 1 big fat one going to the battery pos. The other is smaller and goes to the tel tale light. This works by having a bulb fed from the ignition switch and earthing via the small wire ie. when the engine not turning the light is lit. When the generator is producing power 12 v comes down the small wire this means there is 12v on either side of the bulb and it goes out, thus telling you it is charging.

[touchwoodsden]

According to the manual it shouldn't have a regulator? Page 68/69

http://service.lombardinigroup.it/docum ... 0Motor.pdf

Thanks for input
That would be the case if it had a belt driven alternator which has its own internal regulator. However it doesn’t, it has a crankshaft mounted alternator with a wire wound stator and rotating magnet. It’s a completely different system than shown on page 69 and I can find no reference to it.
My alternator has 2 wires going to an external regulator. The external alternators are 3 phase with internal rectifier and reg.

[gilburton]

Has it got a flywheel generator from a ligier car like this or is it some sort of mod from a bike?
Can't the builder help?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/STATOR-FLYWHEEL- ... SwNSxVXy1d

[touchwoodsden]

Has it got a flywheel generator from a ligier car like this or is it some sort of mod from a bike?
Can't the builder help?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/STATOR-FLYWHEEL- ... SwNSxVXy1d

It is similar to that and I can get another regulator I am sure but I don’t particularly want to buy one if it’s not the regulator. Hence, I am trying to find out how to test the generator (two wires remember and they are not live and earth) and how to test the regulator.
That’s why I want to understand how it works so that I can do some tests.

I have read that there should be no electrickery between each wire on genny and earth, but a bulb BETWEEN the 2 genny wires should light when engine is running.
Will try tomorrow

[gilburton]

Ok more research is needed lol

[gilburton]

They call it 2 phase 4 wire regulator on here with diagram but if you scroll down there is also one described as 2 phase 4pin regulator with the pins marked if it's any help.

https://www.lambertsbikes.co.uk/product ... rectifier/

[sbrumby]

Very useful bit of information, I will be using it to fit one to my LE velocette .

[touchwoodsden]

Very useful bit of information, I will be using it to fit one to my LE velocette .

Isnt an LE DC?

[touchwoodsden]

They call it 2 phase 4 wire regulator on here with diagram but if you scroll down there is also one described as 2 phase 4pin regulator with the pins marked if it's any help.

https://www.lambertsbikes.co.uk/product ... rectifier/

Thank you. Those drawings are really useful.
It seems that none of these systems allow for a charging light.
The decision now is, do I buy a £29 4 wire regulator from eBay or do I bite the bullet and buy an £80 lombardini part?
JM

[gilburton]

Not an alternator charging light but I found one of these useful.
Check out the other styles on their website
The regulator is up to you but if you suspect the old one is faulty and you know you have an output from the alternator fitting a new one will give peace of mind.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-Batte ... xyRhBS2H1r

[touchwoodsden]

Not an alternator charging light but I found one of these useful.
Check out the other styles on their website
The regulator is up to you but if you suspect the old one is faulty and you know you have an output from the alternator fitting a new one will give peace of mind.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-Batte ... xyRhBS2H1r

I tested the alternator this afternoon between the two wires using a bulb and there is a nice bright light so it is working.
As there is no output from the regulator (and I haven’t moved anything) and there is input from the alternator wires, then it seems obvious that the regulator is at fault. Sherlock Holmes, eat your heart out.
Regarding the charging light:
What I was going to do was to fit a Voltmeter because the Triumph Clock (50 mm diameter) is not working in any event. However, having seen the little LED charge indicator, that’s much neater, probably more durable, and easier to fit. Thank you for the link.

[gilburton]

Yeah it's more than just a bulb. I had one on my MZ/Robin diesel as it was CVT so a good battery was vital as I didn't have a kick or pull start.