Therefore, a voltage regulator installed on the generator limits the voltage and prevents the battery from being overloaded.
A certain amount of electric current passes through the sliding graphite brushes of the generator; in addition, the graphite brushes run on smooth slip rings. This prevents excessive brush wear. On the Paris-Rhone alternator, the sliding graphite brushes are located on the inside of the voltage regulator. On the Ducellier and Valeo generator, they are located on a separate brush holder.
If the voltage regulator is faulty or if the graphite brushes are worn out, at least on most motors of the type «F», you can easily reach the generator. However, before removing a suspected faulty voltage regulator, check the pin connection for proper connection and make sure it has not oxidized.
1 - voltage regulator with sliding graphite brushes;
2 - contact connection;
3 - rectifier housing.