VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Generator

Was close to 70 degrees today so started up the '31 just to hear it run. Ground to muddy yet to get it out of the shed. The generator wasn't charging and then after a little while it started to charge and then quit, started to charge again and then quit again. I'm thinking the brushes are sticking so will have to check them out. Nothing else I could think of. Sure was nice to hear it run again after this long winter. Cub Farmall started right up.

Check the cut-out on top of the generator. I might be defective. Also, check for a weak spring on one of the brushes.

Thanks Dawg. If I run a wire from the post before the cut-out to the one after it should full charge if the generator is working, right? I figure, check the simple things first.

Yes, as a test, but only if the cut-out is defective. The best thing to do is to remove the cover on the cut-out and with the car running see if the points close and if they stay closed. Also, one of the brushes might not be in constant contact with the comm. on the armature due to a weak brush arm spring or possibly a glazed comm.

Didn't have much time so took the cover off the cut-out and points weren't closed. Used emery cloth on armature and filed points on cut-out. Started to charge and when I went to put the cover back on it quit. Snapped the three brushes and the springs seem quite strong. Still no charge. If I hold the cut-out down it discharges so thinking there is a loose wire in the generator or maybe a spring is weak. Will have to wait a day or two to check it out again.

Your cut-out might need adjusting or you possibly might need a new cut-out.

Thought if I pushed the points down on the cut-out and the generator was working the would stay connected. It showed a large discharge when I did this. Will check out the cut-out next. Could very well be the reason. Thanks.

I assume that the car was running when you pushed down on the cut-out points. If so and you had a discharge it is possible that you might have a short in the charging system or the electrical system.

Yep, it was running and that is something else to look for.

Found out the insulation on the wire running through the generator was deteriorated and bare and when looking into the generator found out these wires [those on the casing, don't know what you call them] became unwrapped. Can they be re-wrapped at a good generator shop or can they be bought as a unit and installed? [img]http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd2/jerrygolf/newgroup165_zps64cbc5e1.jpg?t=1398111604[/img]

The wire shown in your photo is from the generator field coils. You will have to install new field coils in your generator. New field coils are available from your local starter-generator-alternator shop. They can also install the field coils for you as well.

From what I see in the photo, you will probably need a complete generator rebuild.

Exactly what I needed to know. I do plan on having a complete generator rebuild as it does need bushings, brushes, wire, and a good cleaning. Thanks.

Jerry,
Every generator that I've ever had, has had partially exposed (unwrapped) wires inside the casing. I've had them repaired by all kinds of different folks - but the best repairs have been from fellow VCCA members.

You can find these guys (VCCA members offering rebuild services) in last month's G&D on page 38. I highly recommend them.

--Bill B

Thanks Bill. Just found out an old timer I know just 8 miles down the road is still in business at his home and said he could do it. Going to take it over there to have him check it out. Will save shipping.

Got the generator back last week. Charged me $50 but the used armature was a little long and hit the fan blade. Took it back along with an old generator I had sitting around here that didn't work and he used that armature. Gave me $20 back as I told him to keep the used generator as it didn't work. Put it on and it charged 20 amps driving and 10 amps with lights on. Set back the 3rd brush so it charges 10 amps while driving and 0 amps with lights on. Looks like I'm set.

Looks like you could have fixed the generator yourself and saved some money, especially since you had to correct the generator output.