Generator and Tom W

[jhowes]

I ran all of the tests that were recommended and here are the results.
1. The generator motors but slowly and draws 15 amps when motoring.
2. The commutator does not read out to be shorted to the shaft.
3. Reading across the commutator segments (180*) I get a very low resistance reading.
4. Insulating the adjustable brush from the commutator I read about 3 amps when power is applied.

So now what????? Jack

[Mike V. Florida]

So you have it on the bench without the cutout. When you spin it with a drill do you get an output?

[jhowes]

No output at the slow RPM of the drill but some small current flow at higher rpm from a 3450 motor.

[lindy williams]

I think you need a growler test of your armature. My generator had similar symptoms. The generator should motor at a much lower amperage. When I replaced my armature it motored at less than 5 amps.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by lindy williams

I think you need a growler test of your armature. My generator had similar symptoms. The generator should motor at a much lower amperage. When I replaced my armature it motored at less than 5 amps.

Correct, and when you motor it with the field disconnected, it will motor slower and draw about 15 amps. I did this test the other day.

[jhowes]

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Tom; How do you connect or disconnect the field? I have a output wire and that is all showing. Pardon my stupidity. Jack

[jhowes]

Sorry, let me be correct, it is a output stud that normally goes to the cutout. Jack

[Tom Wesenberg]

You can unscrew the field wire from the adjustable brush, then if you motor the generator, it will draw about 15 amps. While the field wire is disconnected, use a 6 amp battery charger connected to the field wire and ground, and it should draw about 4 amps.