'59 F-100, Generator is arcing
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'59 F-100, Generator is arcing
I noticed today that when I rev the engine there are small sparks inside of the generator at the brush end. I know I saw a post about this but of course I can't find it now. Electrical is my weakest knowledge base. Doesn't not seem like this should be happening. Thought I would ask before I start tearing things apart. And, yes the generator light is on and off intermittently.
Thanks,
Marie
Thanks,
Marie
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Not uncommon to see this in a worn commutator, the rotating part of the generator. The worse the wear, the poorer contact the brushes have with the commutator and the more sparks. Just the fact of life, there will be some sparks. " Light on and off intermittently." Time to have the generator rebuilt or get a replacement.
And if no one has done so, welcome to the forum. There is a separate forum on FTE for the 1959 year trucks, but we are an ok bunch on this side and will give you answers that will be the same no matter where you ask.
And if no one has done so, welcome to the forum. There is a separate forum on FTE for the 1959 year trucks, but we are an ok bunch on this side and will give you answers that will be the same no matter where you ask.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
When my Genny's did this I would do a lite over haul on them.
Take it apart and IF there is plenty of length and life left in the brushes than
carefully scrap the carbon off the working end of it without changing it's shape much.
Than polish the commutator segments with emery cloth or sand paper. A lath
is the best way and just cut them down a little. Than with a broken hack saw blade
clean the mica between the segments until there is separation between them and
they are white and clean lube the bushings or bearings and resemble.
Start the rig and polarize the generator and ya are good ta go. This has always worked for me.
If ya can find the new brushes and bearings replace them.
Cleaning the commutator and carbon from the brushes is the biggest help. JMHO
Take it apart and IF there is plenty of length and life left in the brushes than
carefully scrap the carbon off the working end of it without changing it's shape much.
Than polish the commutator segments with emery cloth or sand paper. A lath
is the best way and just cut them down a little. Than with a broken hack saw blade
clean the mica between the segments until there is separation between them and
they are white and clean lube the bushings or bearings and resemble.
Start the rig and polarize the generator and ya are good ta go. This has always worked for me.
If ya can find the new brushes and bearings replace them.
Cleaning the commutator and carbon from the brushes is the biggest help. JMHO
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Problem Solved
Thanks guys!
I pulled it apart did some cleaning and have had it running. Appears everything is fine. The truck was sitting for a few years, there was some rust in there along with a large beetle carcass caught in between the brush and the housing. Still plenty of life left on the brushes based on the minimum 5/8" length per the manual.
I pulled it apart did some cleaning and have had it running. Appears everything is fine. The truck was sitting for a few years, there was some rust in there along with a large beetle carcass caught in between the brush and the housing. Still plenty of life left on the brushes based on the minimum 5/8" length per the manual.
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