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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21 |
The generator in my 49 is starting to squeal a bit. How hard is a DIY rebuild? And, where would be a good place to get a kit to do it? Thanks......
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
As long as it is still producing amps and voltage, why rebuild? Use an oil can and lubricate both ends of the generator. You should find oil holes with a spring loaded cap. Hold the cap up and apply some engine oil. Allow the oil to soak in and then add some more. If this does not remove the squeal, then you can consider the rebuild.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Are you sure that its not the fan belt? I have had several belts that chirped. Am now running NAPA belts on my cars and they are 98% quiet.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21 |
As long as it is still producing amps and voltage, why rebuild? Use an oil can and lubricate both ends of the generator. You should find oil holes with a spring loaded cap. Hold the cap up and apply some engine oil. Allow the oil to soak in and then add some more. If this does not remove the squeal, then you can consider the rebuild. Yeah, tried that....no luck.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21 |
Are you sure that its not the fan belt? I have had several belts that chirped. Am now running NAPA belts on my cars and they are 98% quiet. I think it's the gen. It starts after the engine warms a bit.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Back in 1970 I rebuilt the generator on my '34. In 1985 I was returning from a 400 mile trip and the generator quit charging. When I disassembled it I found the armature was hitting the fields because the rear bushing went out. This surprised me as I oiled it every several hundred miles. Upon inspection I fould that the felt wick that lubricates the rear bushing had turned to stone and prevented oil from reaching the bushing. The front has a ball bearing and no wick but after 58 years there may be something obstructing the oil flow there also. If you suspect that it is the generator I would recommend taking the unit to a local starter/generator repair shop for rebuilding. In a long run it could save you money.
Has the timing gear oil seal been replaced recently? They can run dry and squeak when hot also.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 07/09/07 10:58 PM.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The generator brushes can make a squeaking noise as well. You might want to check the brushes and see how they look.  :) :grin:
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3 |
The complete proper rebuild would consist of the following: Remove old bearings and press in new ones, remove and replace brushes, turn down commutator and cut down mica insulators. In addition it is a good idea to check the spring tension on the brush holders. You would also have to use sandpaper (not emery cloth) to fit to fit the brushes to the commutator. Unless you have a well equipped shop it would probably be better to have it professionally rebuilt. None of it is rocket science if you have the equipment. All parts are probably available at NAPA
You have been given good advice to check out the simpler things first, which you may have done already.
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