The Ford Barn

Ed in Maine · 11-18-2017, 04:07 PM

I recently picked up an NOS generator armature. It looks great except where the brushes contact the armature. The copper surface is tarnished. I don't want to turn the armature to clean it. Is there any fluid which I can use to clean it up? Thanks for your help, Ed

Crankster · 11-18-2017, 04:20 PM

General instructions I have read is to use garnet type sandpaper to remove grease and oxidation, and carefully undercut mica if necessary. I follow up with a brush and non-residue solvent like Naptha (lighter fluid). Be sure to follow instructions about seating new brushes to commutator.

Tom Wesenberg · 11-18-2017, 11:19 PM

I spin them in my lathe and polish the commutator with a strip of 400 grit emory cloth. You can do the same without spinning it, if you don't own a lathe. Very seldom does the commutator need to be turned, and I hate to see when someone turns off good material for no reason.

If someone tells you that you shouldn't use emory cloth, ask them if they only use non detergent oil and only water without antifreeze. Some beliefs die hard.

Crankster · 11-18-2017, 11:45 PM

Well that's what the manuals say, Tom. They may be wrong, but that's what they say.

Tom Wesenberg · 11-19-2017, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crankster

Well that's what the manuals say, Tom. They may be wrong, but that's what they say.

Yes, I've seen that also. They think the emory is conductive and will pile up between the segments and make a short, but it just doesn't happen.

katy · 11-19-2017, 10:24 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Scotch brite works good to polish up an armature, then blow it clean w/air.

11-18-2017, 04:07 PM	#1
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,193	NOS Generator Armature I recently picked up an NOS generator armature. It looks great except where the brushes contact the armature. The copper surface is tarnished. I don't want to turn the armature to clean it. Is there any fluid which I can use to clean it up? Thanks for your help, Ed

11-18-2017, 04:20 PM	#2
Crankster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 563	Re: NOS Generator Armature General instructions I have read is to use garnet type sandpaper to remove grease and oxidation, and carefully undercut mica if necessary. I follow up with a brush and non-residue solvent like Naptha (lighter fluid). Be sure to follow instructions about seating new brushes to commutator.

11-18-2017, 11:19 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: NOS Generator Armature I spin them in my lathe and polish the commutator with a strip of 400 grit emory cloth. You can do the same without spinning it, if you don't own a lathe. Very seldom does the commutator need to be turned, and I hate to see when someone turns off good material for no reason. If someone tells you that you shouldn't use emory cloth, ask them if they only use non detergent oil and only water without antifreeze. Some beliefs die hard. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 11-18-2017 at 11:34 PM.

11-18-2017, 11:45 PM	#4
Crankster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 563	Re: NOS Generator Armature Well that's what the manuals say, Tom. They may be wrong, but that's what they say.

11-19-2017, 10:24 AM	#6
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,716	Re: NOS Generator Armature Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Scotch brite works good to polish up an armature, then blow it clean w/air. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!