VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1961-1964 1961 Generator Question

Are the generators different for cars with power steering and those with manual steering? I ask because I installed power steering on my 1961 Impala, but didn't left the original generator on the car. The car ran great for a while, but lately the generator light comes on and the car starts running roughly. I realize there may be issues with a 51 year old generator, but I've noticed different rebuild kits for sale, based on whether the car has manual or power steering. Any advice?

My book only shows a difference between 6 and 8 cylinders for 1960-62.
Neil G. (Canada)

No difference on a 61, just the 6 and V8 had different gens but use the same non-PS rebuild kit.

The only difference in the gen rebuild kits: the one for non-PS has one bearing and one bushing, the PS version has two bearings and no bushing. All of the other parts are the same.

The '61 has a separate power steering pump, earlier models had
the power steering pump driven from the back of the generator.
The only reason I can come up with for your engine running
rough is possibly with the generator dead battery voltage is
low causing weak ignition. The first thing I would do is look in
the back of the generator and examine the generator brushes for
wear. My generator quit charging a year ago and when I removed
it and checked it out all it needed was a set of brushes. For
less than $10.00 and 30 minutes work I was back on the road!
Phil Lipton

Thanks for the information. I'll have the generator rebuilt - but it seems like there's a compression problem in the number 2 cylinder that needs further investigation.