Generator Issue
 

We are reassembling a Model A generator. It is a standard generator, not a Power House. What is the easiest way to install the field windings to make sure they are positioned straight and won't rub on the armature? The armature won't slide in right now and I don't know for sure how to get the field windings straight. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Re: Generator Issue
 

The diameter of the body is small enough that the pole shoes should pretty well self-center, but you can hold them and move them back and forth as you tighten the screws, so you can help them find center. A light coat of oil will also help them slide into place. The final tightening may take a special fixture, as they need to be very tight. When you are done there should only be about .005" inch clearance to the armature. I've worked on a couple generator where everything checked out, but they had very little output. It turned out some fool had turned or ground the armature a little, and that left it with too much clearance.

Re: Generator Issue
 

Use hex bolts to pull the pole shoes down tight . After the pole shoes have tightened in to place , the hex bolts can be removed and replaced with the correct pole screws .

Re: Generator Issue
 

We have the generator assembled now, and unfortunately it wouldn't motor. We used all new parts except the windings and the armature. I got a what appears to be good armature from a club member. The windings we tested with a battery charger and with the pole shoes in them there was magnet pull. Any ideas what to check? Everything else we used all new parts for, so really it could only be the armature or the windings I would think...

Thanks,
Neal

Re: Generator Issue
 

Was it tested?

Re: Generator Issue
 

Were the field windings checked AFTER they were installed? They may have shorted to ground. When you apply 6 volts to the output stud, what happens? Do you get a spark? How many amps does it draw?

Re: Generator Issue
 

I get a quick spark, and it hums a little bit.

Re: Generator Issue
 

No, I have not done that yet, was trying to save some money first before getting it tested. That would be the next step. I have 2 armatures to try out.

Re: Generator Issue
 

I would think any person or shop with a growler would test your armature free of charge.

Also, you can give it a good visual inspection. Look for burned wires, cut wires from being tossed around, thrown solder at the commutator bars, etc. You can give it a continuity check by touching an ohm meter to the shaft and any commutator bar, It should show no shorts to ground,

Re: Generator Issue
 

Yeah the only shop around here charges to test them out. Is there an easy way to verify if the windings are still good? Like I said we had them laid out and put the pole shoes in them and hooked a charger to the windings and there was magnet pull from the shoes, I just don't know how to further test those from there. Thanks.

Re: Generator Issue
 

Connect a battery charger to the field wire and ground, and the charger should draw about 4 amps.

Re: Generator Issue
 

On the field winding put your ohm meter on one end of the field winding and and the other on the other. You should show resistance between the two wires. If not you have a broken winding or were the two winding join togegher is broken.

Re: Generator Issue
 

Thanks for the advice guys, this gives us a few things we can try on it. Appreciate it.

Re: Generator Issue
 

http://m.harborfreight.com/large-tai...9549-8955.html
Not sure if this might help spread the poles

Re: Generator Issue
 

I don't know what the shop would charge you to test your generator but I was quoted $10.00 in Coos Bay, Oregon. I thought that was well worth the expense to offset the frustration factor.

Chet

Re: Generator Issue
 

Most auto parts stores have a generator and starter testing machine and will check them for free. The problem might be to find someone who knows how to connect the wires correctly for a generator.

From Minnesota, where I will soon need to strap pontoons to the sides of my car.