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>> <tt>How do I verify whether the generator is functioning?</tt>
First simple easy check is the voltage at the battery. It should rise up when running at least 1200-1400 RPM (off idle ... I believe generators typically don't do well at idle) ... I'd look for at least 13.2 and get worried about boiling the battery above 14.7. Have you had to flash the field?
>> <tt>Then Al and Debra Heath came and rescued me.</tt>
Hey Dave, that was interesting pulling you under the bridge at the hot hole. What a great bumper you had back then! Since then I've pulled a 23,000 pound loaded amphibious tour "bus", and also been pulled by a jet ski when coil died (I believe switching polarity does weaken them), and lately when ignition switch crapped out and killed everything. 'Poda can probably remember that night on the dark lake in front the of the Eagles when my car would suddenly quit ... then restart and be ok for a while again ... and we got back to the Eagles and hit ramp and it died again. ... and got towed up the ramp. Turned out to be an internal break in the coil wire connection that depending on how the engine shook would work or not. There are two types of Amphicar owners... those that have been rescued and those that will be.... In Celina, there's always enough help around so don't skip coming... That reminds me, I need to pack that block of wood...
By the way, if the ignition switch has an intermittant contact in the run position, you might not get enough juice to run the bilge blower and flip the relay engaging everything else..... Check the wires at the rear rail connector, on the ignition switch, and at the relays up front. But check voltage drop when you engage the starter... You got a good "ground" strap making a good connection on the engine/tranny? or good alternative path? Kinda sounds like low voltage. Any other opinions on Richard's problem?
Al
