VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 generator noise

Is there a lubricant available (grease or something) to quite down the armature brushes on my generator? Thanks

You don't put grease on your generator brushes, not if you want your generator to work. Basically, there are several things that can cause noise in your generator: A worn or dry bearing, worn brushes or armature comm., a worn or dry bushing, or the armature barrel rubbing against the pole shoes. If you suspect that your brushes are making the noise, they probably need replacing and your armature comm. turned. However, there is a regular brush stone that you can use to reseat your worn brushes on the comm. while the generator is turning. Don't forget to put a few drops of oil in the little oilers that are on the generator. There is one in front for the bearing (if it is not a sealed bearing), and one in back for the bushing.

Junkyard Dog, If your suggestions don't work I might suggest investing in a good set of ear plugs, or maybe a high output Walkman with earphones, that is what the Ceder hackers down here in Central Texas do ifen' baleing wire or "duck tape" won't fix it! LOL

I installed a new sealed bearing, rebuilt armature, and brushes in my generator and replaced the insulation on the field windings. The noise is a light sweaking sound coming from the brushes. I just wanted to know if anybody had experience with some of the new products available to lubicate brushes. For example, I found a tech advisory page for model trains enthusiasts and cut and pasted it below:

[A] periodic cleaning of the commutator is very worthwhile. A track cleaner or electric contact cleaner does a good job. So does TV Tuner cleaner, which leaves a small amount of electrically conductive lubricant. When you have applied the cleaner, a simple and very effective tool to remove the gunk and burnish the surface is a common stick of Balsa wood, about 1/8th inch square. This is porous enough to soak up the gunk and solid enough to remove all but the most stubborn deposits. As the end gets dirty, just slice off to a new surface; a 45 degree angle works well. Another relatively recent product that works well is 'CONDUCTA-LUBE' Cleaner, by Atlas. This is a plastic compatible cleaner / lubricant made specifically for small motor commutators and brushes. To clean the carbon / gunk buildup in the commutator slots, a sharpened toothpick is effective. After you have a clean and dry commutator, polish with 400, then 500 and 600 wet/dry papers, then finish with a wood pencil eraser or 'Pink Pearl' eraser. Be sure to blow or brush off all residue.

The Conducti-Lube Cleaner mentioned is $6.95 a bottle. I suspect once the brushes "wear in" the noise will go away, but if this helps I'll certainly pass that information on.