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THE FORD STARTING AND LIGHTING SYSTEM 55
What about
Oiling? Answer No. 122
The starting motor is lubricated by the Ford splash system, the same as the
engine and transmission. The generator is lubricated by a splash of oil from
the time gears. In addition an oil cup is located at the end of the generator
housing and a few drops of oil should be applied occasionally.
What should be done when repairing the Ignition?
The introduction of a battery current into the magneto will discharge the magnets
and whenever working on the ignition system or wiring do not fail to disconnect
the positive wire from the battery. The end of this wire should be wound with
tape to prevent its coming in contact with the terminal again.
How does the
Ammeter operate? Answer No. 124
The ammeter is located on the instrument board. This indicator registers "charge" when
the generator is charging the battery and "discharge" when the lights
are burning and the engine not running above 10 miles per hour. At an engine
speed of 15 miles per hour or more the ammeter should show a reading of from
10 to 12 with lights turned off. If the engine is running above 15 miles per
hour and the ammeter does not show a proper reading, first inspect the terminal
posts on the ammeter, making sure that the connections are tight, then disconnect
the wire from the terminal on generator, and with the engine running at a moderate
speed, take a pair of pliers or a screw-driver and short-circuit the terminal
stud on the generator to the generator housing. If the generator is O. K.,
a good live spark will be noted. (Do not run the engine any longer than is
necessary with the terminal wire disconnected.) Next inspect the wiring from
the generator through the ammeter, to the battery for a break in the insulation
that would result in a short-circuit. If the trouble is not located, then remove
the dust cap from the end of generator and thoroughly clean the generator commutator,
using for this work a fine grade of sandpaper which has been slightly oiled.
With the motor running hold the sandpaper against the commutator with the fingers
until all dirt has been removed and a bright surface attained.
How are the Lights
operated? Answer No. 125
The lighting system consists of two headlights and a tail light operated by
a combination lighting and ignition switch located on the instrument board.
The headlamp bulbs are of 6-8 volt, double filament gas filled type. The major
filament is 21 candle-power, and the minor filament is 2 candle-power. The
small bulb used in the tail light is of 6-8 volt, single contact, two candle-power
type. All of the lamps are connected in parallel so that the burning out or
removal of any one of them will not affect the other. Current for the lamps
is supplied by the battery. Do not connect the lights to the magneto as it
will result in burning out the bulbs and might discharge the magnets. Cut No.
23 shows the different circuits and the course of the current.
What Attention do the
Electric Headlights require? Answer No. 126
When the car is delivered to the owner, the headlamps are properly focused
and aligned, and they should require no attention other than replacement of
burned out bulbs or broken lenses, and re-focusing or re-aligning should they
get out of focus or alignment. Headlights equipped with the Ford refracting
lens
Answer No. 123