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Old 09-30-2016, 11:25 AM   #1
reek29
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Default Another generator question

Hello, all.
I have a 1931 coupe, all stock that is giving me fits. The generator will not charge. It was charging just fine then all of a sudden quit. I am getting nothing from the output stud and when I jump the cutout the points close. When I disconnect the fan belt and run a wire from the negative battery terminal to the generator output the generator motors just fine. I disconnected the cutout wire and still can't get a voltage reading, except maybe background voltage of maybe half a volt. I'm testing with a digital meter so the background voltage may not be that accurate.
On all my other generators I assumed that if the generator motors, it is good.
Any thoughts?
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Old 09-30-2016, 11:31 AM   #2
SeaSlugs
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Default Re: Another generator question

How does it motor? is it slow and controlled motor or does it spin up like well a motor...
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Old 09-30-2016, 12:09 PM   #3
Terry, NJ
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Default Re: Another generator question

Not necessarily true in all cases! Sometimes a Generator will motor but will not produce any voltage. Tom Wesenberg was describing one he had. Wish I could help you more, but I've just had my "FUN" with a dead generator too. It turned out to be the armature ($99)
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Originally Posted by reek29 View Post
Hello, all.
I have a 1931 coupe, all stock that is giving me fits. The generator will not charge. It was charging just fine then all of a sudden quit. I am getting nothing from the output stud and when I jump the cutout the points close. When I disconnect the fan belt and run a wire from the negative battery terminal to the generator output the generator motors just fine. I disconnected the cutout wire and still can't get a voltage reading, except maybe background voltage of maybe half a volt. I'm testing with a digital meter so the background voltage may not be that accurate.
On all my other generators I assumed that if the generator motors, it is good.
Any thoughts?
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:49 PM   #4
reek29
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Default Re: Another generator question

Thanks for the quick replies!
The motoring is slow and controlled.
Maybe Tom can chime in if he has one like this.
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:22 PM   #5
jrelliott
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Default Re: Another generator question

Check the third brush, for contact to the armature, the spring tension of the brushes, the amount of carbon on the armature. These are the first things to check when a generator suddenly quits working.
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Old 09-30-2016, 11:32 PM   #6
ian Simpson
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Default Re: Another generator question

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I have one just like this. One of the field coils is damaged (shorted).
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Old 10-01-2016, 12:42 AM   #7
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Another generator question

Yes, I suspect the field isn't being energized, because the residual magnetism will give about 1/2 volt. Check the wire to the movable brush, also known as the third brush. This is also the thin brush, or should be. Also check the solder connection between the two field coils. Those wires should be twisted and soldered, and not touching the long through bolt.

If you slip paper under the adjustable brush, then connect a 6 volt battery charger to the case and field wire, the charger should show about 4 to 5 amps.
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Old 10-01-2016, 06:07 AM   #8
reek29
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Default Re: Another generator question

Thanks all. I'll check it out this afternoon. Tom- if a field isn't energized, will it still motor?
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