TR4/4A TR3 [TR4?] Generator available???

[6969ronin6969]

The generator on my TR3 gave up on me. I have plans to switch over to an alternator, but am not ready to do that just yet and wanted to see if anyone out there had a spare generator out there they'd be willing to let go for a reasonable amount. If so, please let me know-here, PM or email.

I honestly haven't called around to see what it would cost to have it fixed. Anyone got any ideas out there based on past experience?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Darrell_Walker]

I honestly haven't called around to see what it would cost to have it fixed. Anyone got any ideas out there based on past experience?

Kind of depends on what is wrong. What makes you think the generator is bad (vs. the control box)?

Brushes are cheap and easy to replace.

 

[TR4nut]

Eric-

Not sure what your budget is, but if you look in Rockauto you can get a rebuilt one for about $60+shipping. Beck Arnley, I've bought a couple in recent years and had no issues.

Randy

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Eric,
Pull the generator apart, remove the the two long screws and pull it apart, as Darrell said, check the brushes. Any local electrical motor shop or automotive electrical shop can replace the brushes if you don't want to do it. BTW, TR3 generators are dated close to the time the car was built.

Marv

 

[6969ronin6969]

Cool, thanks for the advise. I'll do so this weekend.

Eric

 

[Geo Hahn]

As noted, brushes are a common maintenance item. Also, if the wrapping on the field windings has worn thru and shorted on the car the wrapping can be renewed. I have only done this on a couple of starters but would think the dynamos are similar.

 

[DrEntropy]

VERY similar, Geo. Just a backwards motor. Brushes are typically the problem, renewable for a few sheckles and some time. A good practice while the thing is apart is to polish the commutator with some ScotchBrite: that green scrubbie-pad thingie in the kitchen... don't let mom see ya take it to the garage tho! :wink:

 

[Geo Hahn]

VERY similar, Geo. Just a backwards motor...

Actualy (as I have had the opportunity to demonstrate) if your control box points stick the dynamo can become a forward motor -- though it had a real tough time turning the engine. Got it disconnected before all the smoke leaked out.

 

[mrv8q]

MOSS has an article in their catalogs about polarizing the generator, if needed....
I paid $60 to have my generator rebuilt, a while back.....

 

[ArcticOne]

Been struggling with the same issue on my 68 GT6. Have had it in to two different shops and so far no success - just ordered a new one from SpitBits.

As a note, not every local auto electric shop can fix these. My local shop said no problem that they had done Lucas generators before. Well, they took my $30 (minimum shop rate) and said sorry, can't do anything as it is all not working.

Second shop actually did some work in terms of cleaning, painting, brush replacement, bearing replacement and cleaned up the armature. Still no success.

To test your generator here is an excellent manual: Lucas Generator and Control Box Tests

A used dynamo is on eBay: Lucas dynamo for Triumph TR3a/tr4

Hope your luck is better than mine so far.

jb

 

[TR3driver]

Also, if the wrapping on the field windings has worn thru and shorted on the car the wrapping can be renewed. I have only done this on a couple of starters but would think the dynamos are similar.

Important difference, IMO, is that starters are intermittent duty, while generators are continuous. If the starter doesn't work, you remove power from it almost instantly; while if the generator stops working, generally you drive home.

That said, I've never seen a generator fail from shorted field windings. The failure I've personally seen most is an overheated armature from a misadjusted control box (we shan't discuss who adjusted it that way )