Generator vs Alternator

[David R.]

Generator is assembled with new bearings, new brushes, new brush holder hardware, new terminal insulators, commutator turned and undercut, fields re insulated, wire leads insulation repaired with linen lacing. Bearings seem a little tight after assembly. May need to ream bushing a tad more.
Do I need to polarize before trying to motor it?

[Kurt in NJ]

Motoring it polarizes it
Make sure the field poles are not dragging on the armature--- that will burn it out,
What kind of bushing did you use, properly fitting one usually fits perfectly without reaming--- at least the ones I used to get

[David R.]

My bearing issues were twofold. Bushing still was just a little tight. I erred on the side of caution and didn’t quite ream enough. The other problem was the front bearing retainer clips were dragging. I used the originals which were thicker. I put the thinner snap rings in an cured that.
But... It won’t motor. I rechecked my connections with diagram. I will have to assume my armature will need replaced.

[al's28/33]

I ran a 6v alternator for several years. No issues but folks kept asking why all stock except for the alternator..... I did lots of research and found this site along with Tom Wesenberg and he restored my powerhouse gennys and now I run all stock components, still all 6 volt. If you keep the battery charged and no other radios, CB's, air condition or nuclear power headlights then standard 6volt generators will keep you going. Just as they came off the line.

[Purdy Swoft]

The original , unmodified generator can charge a twelve volt battery with no problem . the battery determines the voltage . The generator charges in amps and doesn't know the difference .