Rebuilding a 6V 8BA Generator: Best left to professionals?

[miller91]

Can I do it...(fairly handy) or should I send it off...and who do you recommend? I'm in Massachusetts. Thanks!

[rotorwrench]

If you don't have a growler or a way to undercut the mica between the segments of the commutator, you may not be able to do the whole job as completely as may be necessary. If your commutator passes the short test and the armature looks good overall, you might get away with it but it is kind of a roll of the dice.

[SofaKing]

If by rebuilding you mean replacing the brushes, bearing and bushing it is well within your ability. Be careful about cleaning and handling as the varnish used to insulate the windings is easily dissolved, damaged.

What Rotorwrench said about the growler and micarta is true, however the hi volume rebuilders are unlikely to do that anyway in my experience. For the cost of the parts, you have little to lose by the attempt.

By the way, I did it to mine, brushes-bearings and it is charging after sitting unused for over 40 years. Same for my starter.

[19Fordy]

Try rebuilding it yourself, first. It's not that difficult.
Just be careful reinstalling the new brushes.
Test it to make sure it works before reinstalling.

[DD931]

And be sure to seat the new brushes.

[19Fordy]

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How does one "seat" the new brushes?

[DD931]

It's described in the shop manual for my F-1 and I'm sure in other places. Basically it describes wrapping fine sandpaper (not emery) around the commutator after it's all assembled and rotate to sand the brushes to conform to the commutator. Not that hard to do.

[russcc]

I did my own with the help of Ray Helgers, and his growler & armature cutter. In Mass, depending on where you are, there is an old time electric repair shop that rebuilds generators & starters. Yankee Electric, Thornton Dr. Hyannis Mass. When you get thru doing what you can, they will test it on their machine for you for zip.