1955 Battery just caught fire on Sunday drive

[paul5456]

Update:

Battery was still charging according to tender. Had been charging for 12 hours.

1. Resting voltage was 6.1v
2. 6.0v with engine started
3. 5.8v with lights and blower on
4. 6.0v @3500 rpm w/lights and blower

Seems charging system is working?

I actually ordered a starter this morning (not from usual retailer), before doing this test, since price was very reasonable. Not saying this is the issue.

Thank you!

All these figures are on the low side or bad.

 

[CSPIDY]

You can check the output of the generator before the regulator
At the output post of the generator

 

[photoguy]

All these figures are on the low side or bad.

The battery was still charging on the Tender, hope everyone didn’t overlook this, I’m assuming this matters?

Thank you!

 

[Ward 57]

The battery was still charging on the Tender, hope everyone didn’t overlook this, I’m assuming this matters?

Thank you!

I'm no expert but I don't think a tender will give you a full charge. Use an automatic full function charger that will automatically drop to a trickle charge once the battery has a full charge.

 

[Critterpainer]

Remove charger from battery. Let bat sit for 30 minutes and recheck voltages. I don't think your generator is working at all.

 

[paul5456]

Any battery test should be made w/o any charger/tender on the battery

 

[photoguy]

Update:

1st of all, thank you all for the assistance, pretty amazing forum!!

Decided to take the Bird in for service, It‘s a very reputable, classic car garage, so comfort level is high. As some of you diagnosed, the new regulator indeed needed adjustment.

Again, thanks a ton!