Generator Work;
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Western Mass
Generator Work;
My generator stopped charging my battery, time for some maintenance, I have it out and on my kitchen floor, good start right! Before I mess up are there any words of wisdom for me. '51 F5, 6V positive ground.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 190
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From: Omaha, NE
I dont have any advice, but i'll be swapping my genny (out of a '49) for an alternator within a week or so, if you want it make me an offer. Previous owner says the truck's got 126K miles so the genny should still be good.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Rick, it has been more than a few years since I have rebuilt a generator but here is what I remember. I am going to do the same thing to mine in the near future.
1. You need to take the armature to an electrical shop to have it checked (we used to call the machine they use a "growler") and the brush end machined. Also have them check the field coils in the case.
2. Install new bushings both front & rear. NAPA may have the bushings you need. Make sure to lubricate the bushings before installing the armature.
3. Install new brushes. (NAPA)
4. Check your voltage regulator to make sure it is working properly.
5. When you reinstall it, make sure you "flash the fields" before you start the engine. Your service manual will give you the correct procedure for this.
You probably already know these steps but it helps me to write them down to refresh my memory also. All said and done, it may be better to let the electrical shop just rebuild it for you as they are going to be involved anyway and may not do just part of it. They will also give you a warranty. Hope this helps.
Gil
1. You need to take the armature to an electrical shop to have it checked (we used to call the machine they use a "growler") and the brush end machined. Also have them check the field coils in the case.
2. Install new bushings both front & rear. NAPA may have the bushings you need. Make sure to lubricate the bushings before installing the armature.
3. Install new brushes. (NAPA)
4. Check your voltage regulator to make sure it is working properly.
5. When you reinstall it, make sure you "flash the fields" before you start the engine. Your service manual will give you the correct procedure for this.
You probably already know these steps but it helps me to write them down to refresh my memory also. All said and done, it may be better to let the electrical shop just rebuild it for you as they are going to be involved anyway and may not do just part of it. They will also give you a warranty. Hope this helps.
Gil
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Austin
I noticed my generator had a bad bearing while tearing down the truck the other day. Plan was to clean it and paint it but noticed it was not very smooth when turned by hand. Took it apart, rear bearing was bad.
The rest looks ok, brushes are worn a bit unevenly (one is longer than the other) also noticed some of the paper insulation was torn off the wire from the armature to the stud on the side of the case.
I can get a bearing for $12 or do I go for a full rebuild kit for $45 ?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bryan
The rest looks ok, brushes are worn a bit unevenly (one is longer than the other) also noticed some of the paper insulation was torn off the wire from the armature to the stud on the side of the case.
I can get a bearing for $12 or do I go for a full rebuild kit for $45 ?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bryan
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Brian, I just had mine rebuilt. There is a gentleman in Buda who does this as a hobby. He charges $75.00 for generators and $65.00 for starters. He has all the test equipment and tools plus gives a 30 day warranty. If you are intrested, PM me and I will send you his e-mail address. He is also a Cornwell Tool Rep.
Gil
Gil
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Thanks Gil
My Gen works fine...but I thought it made sense to replace the bearing now at least.
Flashing the Fields???? I don't recall seeing that in the manual....I'll give it another look.
I will hit you up for the contact info in Buda.
Thanks again!
My Gen works fine...but I thought it made sense to replace the bearing now at least.
Flashing the Fields???? I don't recall seeing that in the manual....I'll give it another look.
I will hit you up for the contact info in Buda.
Thanks again!
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Brian, it may not be necessary to flash the fields when just changing the generator, but I always do it just to make sure. There are a couple of threads active now that discusses this procedure. It basically charges the coils in the voltage regulator. Hope this helps.
Gil
Gil
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
If you are going to replace the bearing, have the whole thing rebuilt.
All that stuff "wears in" together, and when you replace just one part of it, the otheres will soon follow. Plus if one is gone, chances are this is just the first thing to go and the rest are close.
J!
All that stuff "wears in" together, and when you replace just one part of it, the otheres will soon follow. Plus if one is gone, chances are this is just the first thing to go and the rest are close.
J!