ENGINE—ELECTRICAL 6Y-5
BATTERY TESTING PROCEDURES
Testing procedures are used to determine whether the
Battery is (1) good and usable, (2) requires recharging or
(3) should be replaced. Analysis of Battery conditions can
be accomplished, by performing a visual inspection,
Instrument Test, and the full charge hydrometer test.
1.
VISUAL INSPECTION
The first step in testing the Battery should be a visual
inspection, which very often will save time and expense
in determining Battery condition.
• Check the outside of the Battery for a broken or
cracked case or a broken or cracked cover. If any
damage is evident, the Battery should be replaced.
« Note the electrolyte level. Levels that are too low or
too high may cause poor performance, as covered in
the section entitled "Periodic Servicing".
o Check for loose cable connections, and for evidence
of corrosion as covered in section entitled ' 'Periodic
Servicing". Correct as required before proceeding
with tests.
2.
INSTRUMENT TEST
A number of suppliers have approved testing equipment
available. These testers have a programmed test proce-
dure consisting of a series of timed discharge and
charge events, requiring approximately 2 to 3 minutes,
that will determine the condition of the Battery with a
high degree of accuracy. When using these testers, the
procedure recommended by the tester manufacturer
should be followed. Batteries should not be charged prior
to testing as doing so may alter the test results. If a
tester is not available for testing, the "Specific Gravity
Cell Comparison Test" may be used or an alternate
method, but with a sacrifice in testing accuracy.
3. FULL CHARGE HYDROMETER TEST
This test should be used only on Batteries which test
good with testing equipment or "Specific Gravity Cell
Comparison Test" but which subsequently fail in service.
• Remove the Battery from the vehicle, and adjust the
electrolyte level as necessary, by adding colorless,
odorless, drinking water.
• Fully charge the Battery at the Slow Charging rate
as covered in the section entitled "Battery Charg-
ing".
• Measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in
each cell and interpret as follows:
Hydrometer Reading Less Than
1.230—Full
charge
hydrometer readings less than 1.230 corrected for
temperature indicate the Battery is defective and
should be replaced.
Hydrometer Readings Above
1.310—Full
charge hy-
drometer readings above 1.310 corrected for tem-
perature indicate that the cells have been improperly
filled (activation) or improperly serviced. Poor
service and short Battery life will result.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY READINGS
A hydrometer can be used to measure the specific
gravity of the electrolyte in each cell.
The hydrometer measures the percentage of sulphuric
acid in the battery electrolyte in terms of specific
gravity. As a battery drops from a charged to a dis-
charged condition, the acid leaves the solution and enters
the plates, causing a decrease in specific gravity of
electrolyte. An indication of the concentration of the
electrolyte is obtained with a hydrometer.
When using a hydrometer, observe the following points:
1.
Hydrometer must be clean, inside and out, to insure
an accurate reading.
2.
Hydrometer readings must never be taken immedi-
ately after water has been added. The water must be
thoroughly mixed with the electrolyte by charging for
at least 15 minutes at a rate high enough to cause
vigorous gassing.
3.
If hydrometer has built-in thermometer, draw liquid
into it several times to insure correct temperature
before taking reading.
4.
Hold hydrometer vertically and draw in just enough
liquid from battery cell so that float is free floating.
Hold hydrometer at eye level so that float is vertical
and free of outer tube, then take reading at surface of
liquid. Disregard the curvature where the liquid
rises against float stem due to surface tension.
5.
Avoid dropping battery fluid on car or clothing as it
is extremely corrosive. Any fluid that drops should
be washed off immediately with baking soda solution.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte varies not only
with the percentage of acid in the liquid but also with
temperature. As temperature increases, the electrolyte
expands so that the specific gravity is reduced. As
temperature drops, the electrolyte contracts so that the
specific gravity increases. Unless these variations in
specific gravity are taken into account, the specific
gravity obtained by the hydrometer may not give a true
indication of the concentration of acid in the electrolyte.
A fully charged Battery will have a specific gravity
reading of approximately 1.270 at an electrolyte temper-
ature of 80°F. If the electrolyte temperature is above or
below 80°F, additions or subtractions must be made in
order to obtain a hydrometer reading corrected to the
80°F standard. For every 10° above 80°F, add four
specific gravity points (.004) to the hydrometer reading.
Example: A hydrometer reading of 1.260 at 110°F would
be 1.272 corrected to 80°F, indicating a fully charged
Battery. For every 10° below 80°F, subtract four points
(.004) from the reading. Example: A hydrometer reading
of 1.272 at 0°F would be 1.240 corrected to 80°F, indi-
cating a partially charged Battery.
Specific Gravity Cell Comparison Test—This test may
be used when a instrument tester is not available. To
perform this test measure the specific gravity of each
cell, regardless of state of charge, and interpret the
results as follows:
• If specific gravity readings show a difference be-
tween the highest and lowest cell of .050 (50 points)
or more, the Battery is defective and should be
replaced.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
To install a Battery properly, it is important to ob-
serve the following precautions:
• Connect grounded terminal of Battery last to avoid
short circuits which may damage the electrical
system.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-6
DO NOT SUCK
IN TOO MUCH
ELECTROLYTE
FLOAT MUST
BE FREE
TAKE READING
AT EYE LEVEL
• Be sure there are not foreign objects in the carrier,
so that the new Battery will rest properly in the
bottom of the carrier.
• Tighten the hold-down evenly until snug (60-80 in.
lbs.).
Do not draw down tight enough to distort or
crack the case or cover.
• Be sure the cables are in good condition and the
terminal clamps are clean and tight. Make sure the
ground cable is clean and tight at engine block or
frame.
• Check polarity to be sure the Battery is not reversed
with respect to the generating system.
Fig.
7b—Testing Specific Gravity
Fig.
8b--Battery Installation (Corvette Shown)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-7
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDEX
Page
General Description . 6Y-7
Maintenance and Adjustments 6Y-9
Static Checks . 6Y-10
System Condition Check and Voltage
•Regular Adjustment. 6Y-10
General Output 6Y-11
Generator Diode and Field Test 6Y-12
Indicator Lamp-Initial Field Excitation
Circuit Tests . 6Y-12
Page
Field Circuit Resistance Wire Tests 6Y-13
Field Relay Test and Adjustment 6Y-14
Other Harness Checks 6Y-14
Service Operations 6Y-14
Generator 6Y-14
Removal and Installation 6Y-14
Pulley Replacement. 6Y-14
Brush Replacement (6" Delcotron). 6Y-15
Double Contact Regulator . . . . . . 6Y-16
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The charging system includes the battery, generator,
regulator, telltale light, and necessary wiring to connect
these components. The Delcotron is offered as standard
equipment, although there are various capacities avail-
able on all models.
The Delcotron continuous output A.C. generator (fig.
lc) consists of two major parts, a stator and a rotor. The
stator is composed of a large number of windings as-
sembled on the inside of a laminated core that is attached
to the generator frame. The rotor revolves within the
stator on bearings located in each end frame. Two
brushes are required to carry current through the two
slip rings to the field coils wound concentric with the
shaft of the rotor. Six rectifier diodes are mounted in the
slip ring end frame and are joined to the stator windings
at three internally located terminals.
Diodes are mounted in heat sinks to provide adequate
heat dissipation. The six diodes replace the separately
mounted rectifier as used in other types of application.
The diodes change the Delcotron A.C. current to D.C.
current.
Two regulators (fig. 2c) are available on the 1967 vehi-
cles,
a double contact two unit type and a transistor
regulator. The function of these regulators in the charg-
ing system is to limit the generator voltage to a pre-set
value by controlling the generator field current. Both
regulators have an internal field relay unit. The relay
unit allows the telltale lamp to light (as a bulb check)
with the ignition key on and engine not running. When the
engine is started and the generator begins to charge, the
indicator light goes out indicating that the system is op-
erating normally.
The double contact regulator, when used with the
special 63 amp air conditioning model generator (4 ohm
field coil) uses a field discharge diode internally in the
field circuit (figs. 3c and 4c). The added diode adapts the
BRUSH AND
TERMINAL
ASSEMBLY
SLIP RINGS
SLIP RING
END FRAME
_\
THRU
BOLT
DRIVE END
FRAME
BEARING
BEARING
DIODES
ROTOR
5.5" SERIES ID DELCOTRON
STATOR
ASSEMBLY
GREASE
RESERVOIR
BRUSH
FAN ASSEMBLY
6.2" SERIES 2D TYPE 150 DELCOTRON
Fig.
lc—Delcotron Cross-section View
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-9
63 AMP 1
MODELS ONLY'
BATTERY FUSIBLE
LINK
HORN
FUSIBLE LINK'
TRANSISTOR
FUSIBLE LINK'
Fig.
4c— Circuitry - Voltage Regulator Assemblies (Corvette)
Engine compartment wiring harness incorporates sev-
eral fusible links. Each link is identified with its gage
size. A fusible link is a length of special wire (normally
four wire gages smaller than the circuit it is protecting)
used in wiring circuits that are not normally fused, such
as the ignition circuit. The same size wire with a hypalon
insulation must be used when replacing a fusible link.
The links are:
1.
The pigtail lead at the battery positive cable (except
Corvette) is a 14 gage, brown fusible link protecting
the 10 gage battery charging circuit. This wire is an
integral part of the battery cable assembly and serv-
icing requires replacing the complete battery cable
assembly. On Corvette models this link is installed
as a molded splice at the solenoid "Bat" terminal
and servicing requires splicing in a new link.
2.
A 16 gage black fusible link is located at the horn
4.
relay to protect all unfused wiring of 12 gage or
larger. It is installed as a molded splice and serv-
icing requires splicing in a new link.
The generator warning light and field circuitry (16
gage wire) is protected by a fusible link (20 gage
orange wire) used in the "battery feed to voltage
regulator #3 terminal" wire. The link is installed as
a molded splice in the generator and forward lamp
harness and is serviced by splicing in a new 20 gage
wire as required.
The ammeter circuit on all models is protected by
two orange, 20 gage wire fusible links installed as
molded splices in the circuit at the junction block or
the solenoid "Bat" terminal (Corvette only) and at
the horn relay. Each link is serviced by splicing in a
new 20 gage wire as required.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
At regular intervals, inspect the terminals for cor-
rosion an4 loose connections, and the wiring for frayed
insulation. Check mounting bolts for tightness. Check the
drive belt for alignment, proper tension and wear. Be-
cause of the higher inertia and load capacity of the rotor
used in A.C. generators, PROPER BELT TENSION is
more critical than on D.C. generators.
Since the Delcotron and its companion regulator are
designed for use on negative polarity systems only, the
following precautions must be observed. Failure to ob-
serve these precautions may result in serious damage to
the charging system.
1.
When installing a battery, always make absolutely
sure the ground polarity of the battery, generator and
regulator is the same.
2.
When connecting a booster battery, make certain to
connect the correct battery terminals together.
3.
When connecting a charger to the battery, connect the
correct charger leads to the battery
%
terminals.
4.
Never operate the generator on an uncontrolled open
TO SOLENOID
BAT ACC RES. WIRE
Fig.
5c—Typical Wiring Diagram Showing Lead Connections
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-10
circuit. Make absolutely certain all connections in
the circuit are secure.
5.
Do not short across or ground any of the terminals
on the generator or regulator.
6. Do not attempt to polarize the generator.
7.
Do not disconnect lead at generator without first dis-
connecting battery ground cable.
Trouble in the A.C. charging system will usually be
indicated by one or more of the following conditions:
1.
Faulty indicator lamp or ammeter operation.
2.
An undercharged battery (usually evidenced by slow
cranking speeds).
3.
An overcharged battery (usually evidenced by exces-
sive battery water usage).
4.
Excessive generator noise or vibration.
Described below are a series of on-the-vehicle quick
checks which are designed to assist the service tech-
nician in locating troubles within the various components
of the engine electrical system. Additional checks, ad-
justments and overhaul procedures of these components
are also described in the "Charging Systems—Service
Operations Section" and should be referred to as
necessary.
STATIC CHECKS
Before making any electrical checks, perform the fol-
lowing static checks:
1.
Check for loose fan belt.
2.
Check for defective battery. (Refer to Battery).
3.
Inspect all connections, including the slip-on con-
nectors at the regulator and Delcotron.
NOTE: Do not short field to ground to check if
generator is charging since this will seriously
damage the charging system.
SYSTEM CONDITION TEST
This test is used .to indicate the overall condition of the
charging system (both good and defective) and to isolate
the malfunctioning unit if the system is defective.
NOTE: On Corvette models difficulty may be
encountered -when attempting to make the re-
quired test connections at the voltage regulator.
It is advisable to remove the regulator from its
mounting location to perform the necessary con-
nections at the regulator for the following tests
but make sure unit is grounded.
1.
With ignition off, perform the prescribed Static
Checks outlined in this section. Then set hand brake
and shift transmission
into
neutral.
2.
Connect a voltmeter from junction block relay to
ground at regulator base.
CAUTION: Be sure meter clip does not touch a
resistor or terminal extension under regulator,
3.
Connect a tachometer on engine.
4.
Models equipped with Indicator Lamp: Turn ignition
switch on "ON" position and check indicator lamp.
If lamp fails to glow, perform appropriate tests and
corrections (Indicator Lamp Circuit Tests) before
continuing.
Models equipped with Ammeter: Turn ignition
switch to "ACC" with an accessory on and check
ammeter. If ammeter fails to read discharge, check
ammeter circuit before continuing.
5.
Models equipped with Indicator Lamp: If lamp glows,
start the engine and run' it at 1500 rpm or above.
Check indicator lamp. If lamp fails to go out, per-
form appropriate test and corrections (Indicator
Lamp Circuit Test) before continuing.
Models equipped with Ammeter: If ammeter reads
discharge, start the engine and observe ammeter. If
meter fails to move toward charge (from original
position), perform appropriate test and corrections
(Field Circuit Tests) before continuing.
NOTE: At this point a field circuit has been
established and any other problem will lie in
generator or regulator.
6. Turn on high-beam headlights and heater blower
motor to high speed, run engine at or above 1500
rpm (for a few minutes, if necessary) and read the
voltage on meter.
AIR GAP
ADJUSTING NUT
ONLY
ADJUSTING SCREW
(Turn To Adjust
Voltage Setting)
Fig.
6c—Adjusting Voltage Setting
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-J2
Fig.
8c—Ammeter Method Test Connections
10.
Turn off ignition, disconnect battery ground cable,
and remove all test equipment.
11.
li the Delcotron meets the test specifications, the
problem is not in the generator.
12.
Ti the Delcotron fails to meet the test specifications,
remove it and perform bench tests and make repair
needed.
DELCOTRON DIODE AND FIELD TEST (Fig. 9c)
NOTE:
These tests will indicate good,, shorted
or open field or shorted diode but will not indi-
cate a failed open diode. If output was low and
following tests show good, refer to service op-
erations to determine cause and repair.
1.
Disconnect battery ground cable at battery.
2.
Positive diodes (Test A) connect an ohmmeter be-
tween "R" terminal and "BAT" terminal and note
Fig.
9c-Deicotron Diode and Field Test
reading, then reverse the leads at same terminals
and note this reading. Meter should read high re-
sistance in one direction and low in the other.
3.
Negative diodes (Test B) connect ohmmeter between
"R" terminal and "GRD" and note reading, then
reverse the leads and note this reading. Meter
should read high in one direction and low in the
other.
NOTE:
A high or low reading in both directions
indicates a defective diode.
4.
Open Field Check:
a. Connect an ohmmeter from "F" terminal to
"GRD"
terminal stud and note reading on the
lowest range scale. Meter should read 7 to
20 ohms.
b.
If meter reads zero or excessively high resist-
ance, the Delcotron is faulty.
5. If above tests indicate a defective Delcotron, remove
and completely check Delcotron as outlined under
''Service Operations".
INDICATOR LAMP/INITIAL FIELD
EXCITATION CIRCUIT TESTS (Fig. 10c)
On standard models the indicator lamp circuit provides
initial field excitation (causing lamp to glow). The light
is cancelled by closing the field relay which applies bat-
tery voltage to both sides of bulb (bulb goes out).
The indicator light should glow when ignition switch is
"ON"
and go out almost immediately when engine starts.
Ammeter equipped vehicles use the same initial field
excitation and control circuits as the indicator lamp ex-
cept the lamp is omitted. The continuity tests on both
type vehicles can be made as follows:
If Lamp Fails to Glow or Ammeter Fails to
Function the Possible Causes are:
1.
Faulty bulb or bulb socket.
2.
Faulty ammeter.
3.
An open circuit in wiring, regulator, or field.
4.
A shorted positive diode—(may also cause glow with
ignition switch "OFF").
TEST AS FOLLOWS:
1.
Disconnect connector from regulator and turn
ignition switch to "ON". Connect a test lamp from
connector terminal "4" to ground (fig. 10c, Step 1)
and note test lamp.
a. Lamp fails to glow—check for faulty bulb, socket
or open circuit between switch and regulator con-
nector. Repair as needed.
b.
Light goes on—failure is in regulator, Delcotron,
or wire between "F" terminals on regulator and
Delcotron. Go to Step 2.
2.
Disconnect lamp lead at ground end and connect be-
tween connector "F" and "4" terminals (fig. 10c,
Step 2), and note lamp:
a. Test Lamp glows—problem is in regulator. An
open circuit in regulator or relay is stuck dosed.
See "Service Operations" for repair.
b.
Fails to glow—problem is in wire between "F"
terminals on generator and regulator or infield
windings. Go to Step 3.
3.
Disconnect test lamp at connector "F" terminal and
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-13
F 2 3 4
f 2 3 4
F 2 3 4
Fig.
10c—Initial Field Excitation Circuit Tests
connect to "F" terminal on Delcotron (fig. 10c,
Step 3), and note lamp:
a. Lamp glows-an open circuit in wire between "F"
terminals—correct as needed.
b.
Fails to glow—Delcotron field has open circuit,
see "Service Operations" to repair %
If Lamp Fails to Go Out, or if Ammeter Shows
Discharge the Possible Causes are:
1.
Loose drive belt—adjust as necessary.
2.
Faulty field relay—(see relay test and adjustment).
3.
Defective Delcotron—(see Delcotron output test).
4.
At normal idle—parallel resistance wire open (see
Resistance test). On ammeter models the initial
field excitation wire to "ACC" terminal is open.
5. Switch off—positive diode shorted (see Diode test).
FIELD CIRCUIT RESISTANCE
WIRE CHECKS
The resistance wire is an integral part of the ignition
harness. However, the resistance wire is not solderable;
it must be spliced with a crimp-type connector. It is
rated at 10 ohms, 6.25 watts minimum.
The check for an open resistor or field excitation wire
(connected to the ignition switch "ACC" terminal) is as
follows:
1.
Connect a test lamp from the wiring harness con-
nector terminal "4" to ground as shown in Figure
10c (Step 1).
2.
Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and
note test bulb.
a. Test lamp glows—resistance is O.K.
b.
Test lamp does not glow—the resistor is open
circuited—note also that dash lamp does not glow
during this test because series resistance of the
2 bulbs causes amperage to be too low.
VOLTMETER
3 4
WIRING*
HARNESS
CONNECTOR
Fig.
11c—Testing Field Relay
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-14
VOLTMETER
WIRING HARNESS
CONNECTOR
Fig.
12c—Field Relay Closing Voltage Test
FIELD RELAY CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENT
To check for a faulty relay proceed as follows:
1.
Connect a voltmeter into the system at the regulator
No.
2 terminal to ground (fig. lie).
2.
Operate the engine at fast idle (1500 to 2000 rpm) and
observe voltmeter reading.
3.
If voltmeter shows zero voltage at regulator, check
circuit between No. 2 terminal on regulator to "R"
terminal on Delcotron.
4.
If voltage at regulator exceeds closing voltage
Fig.
13c—Adjusting Field Relay Closing Voltage
specification and light remains on, regulator field
relay is faulty (Refer to specifications). Check and
adjust regulator as follows:
CLOSING VOLTAGE ADJUSTMENT
•1.
Make connections as shown in Figure 12c using a 50
ohm variable resistor.
NOTE: This gives us a variable resistance in
series from a hot lead to the relay coil.
2.
Turn resistor to "open" position.
3.
Turn ignition switch off.
4.
Slowly decrease resistance and note closing voltage
of the relay. Adjust by bending heel iron in the man-
ner illustrated in Figure 13c.
OTHER HARNESS CHECKS
Other wires in the charging system harness need be
checked for continuity by use of an ohmmeter or a test
ligjit (12 Volt). Connect the test so the wire in question is
in series in the test circuit.
SERVICE OPERATIONS
Service Procedures described in this section are for
the 5.5" aluminum and 6.2" perforated stator Delcotrons
(fig. 14c). Where important differences are encountered
separate mention will be made of the two generators.
GENERATOR
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1.
Disconnect the battery ground strap at battery to
prevent damaging diodes.
2.
Disconnect wiring leads at Delcotron.
3.
Remove generator brace bolt, (if power steering
equipped, loosen pump brace and mount nuts) then
detach drive belt (belts).
4.
Support the generator and remove generator mount
bolt (6.2" Delcotron uses 2 mount bolts) and remove
from vehicle.
5.
Reverse the removal procedure to install then adjust
drive belt.
PULLEY REPLACEMENT
5.5" Delcotron
Single Groove Pulley
1.
Place 15/16" box wrench on retaining nut and insert
a 5/16" alien wrench into shaft to hold shaft while
removing nut (fig. 15c).
2.
Remove washer and slide pulley from shaft.
3.
Reverse Steps 1 and
2
to install, use a torque wrench
with a crow-foot adapter (instead of box wrench) and
torque the nut to 50 ft. lbs. (fig. 16c).
Double Groove Pulley
1.
Place a 15/16" socket (with wrench flats on the drive
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL