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Bugeye generator help

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Kevin,
If this isn't what that shop does as its specialty, yes it probably is not economical for them to do it. That doesn't mean your generator is toast.

These generators are not that complicated, and yours was working somewhat. Here is an article by a guy who did his own Lucas generator. It is for a Riley, but my guess is that the process would be about the same for your genny: Riley rebuild.

So your first option would be to rebuild it or get someone else to do it. Sounds like a good winter project. Personally, I would go for it later. It is summer and I want to DRIVE. That's just me.

Second option if you want to get running right away is to buy this one for $145.00. Replacement generator from Kirk's auto. Robert Kirk is a standup guy who sells some interesting parts, and posts over on the MG Experience site almost every day.

Third option. Take the other generator out of your other car and see if it motors by following Bluemax's instructions above. If it does you could pop it in and see what happens.

Good luck!
Charlie
 
Just a warning--when I went to the Riley Rebuild site, my antivirus software said it was trying to download a virus("trojan script").

That said, if your generator has shorted turns in the rotor, or an open-circuit field coil, it's probably not something you can fix yourself. Other things should be easy.
 
I am overwhelmed with all the help - thanks for all the information you guys. I learned a great deal and have a long ways to go. I am being run into the ground at work and will have to wait for another week to read everything. My wife is hot to go driving, so for my sanity I decided to buy a new generator from Moss to get the Bugeye on the road. I will finish reading all that was given to me, and then see if it is possible to repair it myself. If not, I will check around my area to see if there is anyone who can rebuild it. I have another generator in a second bugeye. It looks horrible, but who knows, it may be salvageable if my original is not.
Kevin
 
Good luck, Kevin.

I am (obviously) not having an antivirus problem with that Riley rebuild website. But I will be glad to email a pdf of the Rebuild article to anyone who wants it. PM me.

Charlie
 
I am thankful for the warning, but I have been downloading and making hard copies of everything posted anyway. Thanks for the offer, Charlie. I will take you up on your offer if I have problems.
Kevin
 
It might just need new brushes, since it is out of the car this is a 10 minute job. Just did mine and the ignition light not be on anymore.

Mark
 
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