Indian Chief generator

[Rmccreary4]

I have a 48 Indian chief, just got it going after sitting in storage for 20 years. We installed a new wiring harness due to the fact that it had been crudely modified over the years. It started right up with little effort! This is our first Indian, all Harley prior to this. Is the generator light supposed to be on while the bike is running, and go out if the generator is not operating? This is the opposite of how the Harley's operate. Don't know if it's correct or not. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
Much depends on whether or not you are running the original high-output generator regulator. The part number for the correct original regulator is Auto-Lite TC-4328-A. This same regulator was used from 1948 through 1953 on the Chiefs. If you are running a TC-4328-A regulator, the dash light should come on when the key is in the ignition position. Once the engine starts, and the cut-out closes; the additional point set that is attached to the cut-out opens, turning the dash light off. If you try to start the engine with the key in the ignition/lights position, the same situation occurs, but the engine will typically start easier if the lights are not on. If you are running a non-original regulator, the situation may or may not be different; it depends on the regulator and the way it is wired.

[tomfiii]

Works the same as the other or any vehicle. When charge rate is higher than battery the light will go out ,but may flicker on at very low idle.

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
On an Indian, the dash light goes out when the extra set of points opens (cut-out closes) breaking the ground path that turned it on in the first place. Some motor vehicles have the dash light wired across the cut-out points. In that instance, when the cut-out closes, there is no voltage differential across the points and the light goes out. With the Indian method, one cannot tell the condition of the cut-out points. In the second situation, as the cut-out points become dirty, burned, etc. they will start to act as a resistor creating a voltage differential across the points - and the dash light can sometimes glow (more easily seen at night), even though the cut-out is closed. When trying to diagnose dash light issues, it is critical to know what regulator is being used and how it is wired.

[Rmccreary4]

I'm going to have to see what regulator we're dealing with first. Are these cut-out points internal to the regulator?

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
Here are two photos that might help. These are of the Auto-Lite TC-4328-A regulator that was standard on all 1948 through 1953 Chiefs. The cut-out points are under the cover and can be easily seen with the cover off.

TC-4328-A1948-53ChiefAuto-LiteRegulatorwithtextA.jpgTC-4328-A1948-53ChiefAuto-LiteRegulatorwithtextB.jpg

[cdf6333]

Check the tiny fuse in the regulator , on the side, before doing anything else.

[Rmccreary4]

Everything here is very helpful. I'm going to check it all out make sure it's right. Let you all know how it turns out. Thanks everyone!

[Rmccreary4]

Hello, I finally got a chance to check into this problem. Sorry for the delay, but it turns out the generator light was getting its ground through the socket and not from the regulator contacts. Explains why it was always lit. I got it all wired the correct way, and it works fine. A big thanks to everyone here that gave input, it was very helpful! Again, sorry for the delayed response, but some things came up lately. We'll have the bike at Wauseon next week, maybe our paths will cross. Thanks again everyone!!!