[SEL] DELCO LIGHT PLANT HELP NEEDED

[David Carter]

Curt,
   If I remember correctly, when you lift the lever (there are actually two, the lower lifts the smaller one above it) to start the set, the circuits are reconfigured to series from parallel(??). The lever makes and breaks several sets of contacts to do this. Once the engine fires and speeds up, the flow of electricity is reversed through the circuit and the larger of the two coils. When running and the lever is lowered, the upper lever(or flap) is held up in the charging position by the coils above it and the current flowing through them, holding contacts in place. As the start lever is lowered other contacts return to the charging configuration. The electromagnet has two windings, a large gauge winding and a small gauge winding. When I rebuilt mine I had to rewind the inner (small gauge) coil as the wire had burnt out at some point. When I rebuilt it I could not get it to hold in position, then I realised that I did not know which way the coil was originally connected to the terminals. I reversed the wires and it held in place. (They must have to work in unison). Through the charging circuit there is a circuit for the ignition coil which stops the engine if the upper lever drops though lack of charging current. This could be why yours stops when you let go of the levers.
 The set was designed to run at full charge i.e. always giving (almost full) power for lighting and/or charging batteries. If the engine speed, hence charge rate dropped, the levers dropped and all stopped. The only governing on the engine was the load and the fixed jet size in the mixer. According to the manual engine speed would be about 1200rpm.
 
I no longer have the wiring diagrams as I sold the set last year. But I should see the owner in next week at a show so I'll ask him for a photcopy of the wiring and send it to you. It may be quicker to try "Delco Don" on Smokstak's Sparks and Arcs.  
I have dug out two pics showing the two sides of the start control levers and the coil feed terminals. As the lever is raised contacts are broken and others made. You really need a wiring diagram to follow it through.  
 The outer coil terminals:-
 http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2061806560104310933EEoFPO

 

The two square inner coil terminals top left :-

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2083897180104310933oMqRzD

 

 As the original ignition coil had burnt out I rewired a car coil,(a Delco by co-incidence), and used a knife switch so it could be run from the batteries without any charging taking place.

 

 The contactor arms are slightly bent in places and they act as springs against the action of the lever.

 

As for phone number, well, I live on a little island just off your west coast .......called England.

 

Hope this helps you out. Let me know how you get on.

 

Regards, Dave.

 

> Ok Dave, the felt did the trick. Will now put a c-clip in to retain it better. Engine getting fuel now. Also having a problem with the starter switch not holding. I have to hold on to the switch to keep it running. Not sure if one of those contact levers are bent. If you could take some detailed pics of your starter (with cover off) so I can better see if there is some sort of wear I sure would appreciate it or if you have some other suggestion. Also what is your phone number so I can chat with you a bit.
> Thanks again,
> Curt