Kestrel Charging

[PeterSavory]

Is there anybody local to Croydon or Bromley who has experience of the charging system on a 1936 Kestrel? My original problem was the ignition light glowing brighter when the engine revs were increased. Evenutally the bulb blew. I have had the cover off the dynamo and found a taped up wire inside. Also the cut out seems to have more terminals than the handbook thinks it should and the wiring to the cut out, as I found it, did not appear to tie in with the wiring diagram. Hence this plea for some on-site assistance. I do not live in the area where the car is (Shirley) and so would need to make an arrangement with whoever can help me. If there are any volunteers out there, perhpas they could e-mail me and we can see what can be arranged. Thanks in advance.

[ian Howell]

Whilst I may not be able to help directly, you (and any others 'watching') may like to consider: -

If the ignition light glowed brighter as the engine speed rose, the dynamo was obviously operating.

It would appear that the cut-out did not cut in, so the dynamo voltage was not 'ballasted' by the battery and it simply rose with the engine speed until the bulb went.

This is encouraging, as it indicates that the dynamo is working OK and the problem seems to be simply a lack of connection to the battery via the cut-out. The different number of connections could indicate an incorrect replacement. Is it a cut-out only or is there a regulator too (Two coils in the box)?

The loose wire in the dynamo is a puzzle but correcting the cut-out connections should solve most of the problem. I am sure someone will direct you to the correct wiring diagram for the year / model.

Good luck - and keep us all posted on progress!

[pat lockyer]

What Ian said is correct,To blow the bulb 18+ volts are needed.
Dynamo ok.
One common fault when this occures when the cut out is ok is the earth wire from the cutout haveing a high resistance.
Make sure the cutout earth wire is not corroded or loose.

[PeterSavory]

Thanks for hints. The cut out I have has 3 terminal on the side and a fourth on the end. Is the one on the end the earth? I thought the cut out was earthed through the casing to the dynamo casing.
As I am now back on the Isle of Wight I haven't been aboe to look again at the cut out to answer Ian's question.
Still mistified by the taped up wire inside the dynamo cover but I suspect it was from a mod that the previous owner made.
Hence my plea for some on-site assistance.