'48 Generator Rebuild
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 25
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From: Boerne, TX
'48 Generator Rebuild
I am restoring a '48 back to stock and I had my generator tested. The shop says it is not working but did not offer any repair advise. Could be that they did not know. If it is not working, what type of repair should I be looking at? I understand the brushes, bearings and those types of repairs (basically replacing parts) but what about the armature? Does one just "go bad"? If so, can they be repaired or are they just replaced? I don't know exactly how they work and am not sure I need to know. If I clean it up and replace the brushes and bearings, will it work again? Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
It has been many years since worked on gererator but as I remember the biggest problem with them not charging is bad brushes or just corrosion on the commutator. Yes, armatures can have shorts and go bad. I'd take it apart and clean the commutator (the part of the armature that the brushes ride on) really good so that it is bright and shiny and put it back together with new brushes and bushings if it needs them. If it still doesn't work then the armature may be bad. The field windings hardly ever go bad. Years ago when my Dad ran a salvage yard I used to mix and match parts from one generator and starter to another and a lot of times it would work after that. It won't hurt to try.
A good shop should be able to test the generator for you.
Vern
A good shop should be able to test the generator for you.
Vern
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,774
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From: Kalispell, MT
Vern's advice is really good. You might also have another shop check it out. Did the first shop check for continuity of the wiring or did they check output. Unlike alternators, full output doesn't happen until a gennie hits about 1500 engine rpm.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Boerne, TX
I think I will take it to another shop. I really don't know what they tested for. It disappeared through the back door of the office and I did not see what he did after that. He did tell me that it squealed a little but also that it was not "generating". The squealing can be fixed but the not "generating" is the question. I will clean it up a little and take it to another shop for their opinion. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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When I had my 52 the generator wasn't generating like it should. It was the original and I've heard don't buy aftermarkets. I took it to my local Napa, they had it sent out and it worked and looked like brand new. It's been awhile but I think it cost about $55, It was well worth it. My advice is also to try another shop. Good Luck
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