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Results of first generator tests

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drooartz

drooartz

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Just got home, into my garage clothes, and out to test the generator. First, I checked the connections, making sure all were good, and started the car. (As an aside, the more days in a row I start it, the easier it is starting.) Ignition light stayed on. So on to the first test in the manual:

Remove both leads from the generator, jump the 2 terminal posts together, and hook up a volt meter from the posts to ground. Start car, watch voltage with engine running. Should move up gradually and be of a good charging voltage.

My voltage was about .5 volts. Moved a bit with engine speed, and even went down at one point when RPM went up (?).

So I pulled the generator out. Now I'm not quite sure how I should proceed. Is there more testing that can be done without disassembling the generator? It looks like I need some sort of thin wrench to hold the pulley still while I remove it--don't have that sort of tool handy. I'd like to try and fix it myself, as a learning process, rather than just hand it over to be rebuilt.

What do I do next?

-Drew
 
Take it it al generator, starter electric shop for testing. Is not expensive to fix, ususlly brushes and bearings maybe.
 
You're back! Hope your trip was a good one--we missed you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm going to be down in the city tomorrow at a good local British car shop, so maybe I'll lug it along and see if anyone down there knows a good shop to look it over.
 
No need to replace the bearing if it ain't bad, Drew. So you can leave the pulley on. The two LONG slot head screws inna back are all you need to take out to get to the brushes and commutator. Some new brushes and a piece of red ScotchBrite to shine up the comm are about all you need.
 
Well maybe, I would still think a trip to the electrical folks to check if the armiture needs turning would be in order. They will also check the bearings and they are standard things they will have on hand along with the brushes. Do it right one time and never have a problem again, those generators are tough as nails.
 
Yeah, first go, that has merit. Then you'll be dealing with a "known quantity."

...I keep feergittin' you don't have three or four of 'em sittin' on a shelf inna garage (yet). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
heck.. even I have an MG generator and control box sitting on my shelf.

What is wrong with you people? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
"Beginners". They'll learn /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I am still quite new to this, and am only starting to build a parts horde. Think shoe box so far. I got a good recommendation for a shop that can work on the old Lucas generators, so I'm gong to bring it in on Monday and have it gone through.

As a show of restraint, I was at my British car club's autojumble yesterday, and didn't buy either of the rusty Bugeye project cars, or the running but rusty Spitfire.
 
You folks with local Brit clubs, sigh.
 
Well Jack,start a club... you might be surprised at what comes out of the woodwork!
 
Think I will concentrate on a car first, hehe.
 
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