Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...erg/Field1.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...erg/Field2.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...erg/Field3.jpg

Last weekend I found out that the replacement field coils come with wires long enough to install the coils on the wrong side of the case. I tested a friend's newly rebuilt generator last Saturday and when I polarized it, it spun backwards.

Good fields should draw about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 amps. You can check the field windings while the generator is on the car by lifting the adjustable brush off the commutator, or placing a piece of paper or cardboard between the brush and commutator. Test with at least a 4 amp charger as pictured and set to 6 volts and the POSITIVE cable on the field ground.

With the output stud facing away from you, as in the picture, the compass needle (NORTH) should face left. It will face left whether you place the compass on the left side of the case, in the center, or on the right side of the case.

Notice that this is the later gnerator with the output stud near the rear, and the field ground is clamped to the case by the insulating washer on the output stud.

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Thanks for another informative post with clear supporting images.
Jason

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Tom,
Someday I hope to see your comments, instructions and observations along with your photographs gathered into a manual. I, and undoubtedly many others, have acquired an understanding of automotive electronics that we never had!
Bud

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

............................." Tom's Tutorials ".........................................

Put all your electric stuff on the "sticky" at the top of the page, so we can find
in one spot...................Pluck?

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

D.J. Moorrdigian that is a great idea, probably allot of work but I'd like to see it!

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Tom, I wish I lived closer to your workshop; I am sure not a day would pass by that I wouldn't learn something new.

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Thanks Dave, and I wish I had a good workshop. I'm just working out of my basement and small garage.

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Tom,

Is there a left and right field coild? I just bought new coils and installed them in my gen. I installed them with the wires facing the rear. I am not at home now and trying to remember how I Installed them and panicking since I have had them tightened down already.

Mike

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

Yes, the coils are different, so just do a check as I posted above to be sure they are installed correctly.

Re: Installing and Testing Generator Fields
 

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/36d53fea.jpg

The mystery has been solved. My friend gave me the generator that mtors backwards and I took it apart the other day. He replaced the field coils to the correct side as I suggested, but the wrong field wire was being grounded, thus reversing the field polarity. This picture shows the RED wire going to ground, but it should lead to the adjustable brush. Since this generator case is badly rust pitted this will be used for good parts to fix other generators.