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MGA MGA 1500 generator shaft distance piece

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Daimlerdb18

Daimlerdb18

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I recently assembled the rebuilt generator for my 1956 MGA resto project, installed it and cranked the engine. I noticed that the fan didn't seem to be rotating at the same speed as the pulley. With the pulley removed there's an obvious extra space between the front plate and the key on the shaft. There is evidently should be a short distance piece between the generator fan and the bush that keeps the fan located on the key and away from the front plate. I looked in the BMC manual and it clearly shows the piece, but neither Moss or Vicky Brit shows the part in their catalog. The question is: of what should the distance piece be made? It would be simple enough to cut steel tube to the right length, but is that the right thing to do? Should it be bronze so as not to cause undo wearing of the bush?

Thanks for any help!!!
 
The distance piece that you are looking for is a mild steel collar between 1/4 to 5/16" long. There is nor worry about wear on the "bush" as there is no bushing at that end of the generator and the distance piece rides on the inner race of the bearing that is used. I will check and see if I have one of hte distance pieces laying around. In the meantime, you might want to read the article that I wrote regarding belt tension on the T series, MGA and early MGB that use generators at: https://www.omgtr.ca/technical/brakelightrelay/brakelightrelay.htm
It is very important to keep the belt tension quite loose on those cars to avoid excessive wear on the rear bushing of the generator.
 
I've several old generators o the shelf.
 
How about a generator with a tac drive tony?
 
I doubt it, Jack -
 
Guess I will have to spring for a new one.
 
David,

Try again, that was for the brake relay not belt tension. I'm interested. Thanks.

Bruce L /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif
 
Hi David,

Thanks very kindly for the offer of the distance piece! I found a bronze thrust washer at the local hardware and tractor store that seems to fit, but I would greatly appreciate the correct distance piece keep the generator fan from grinding into the front plate. Thanks, too for the clarification about the bearing arrangements. That's an elightening article. I read it and immediately went to the garage to loosen the belt. As far as "bush"....sorry, I must be spending too much time on the Daimler forum and the Britishisms are creeping in...ha!
 
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