Generator, is good?

[vern hodgson]

If a generator motors off a battery, does that mean it is good?

[Herb Concord Ca]

More than likely it's good.

[Afordman31]

My generator would motor but not charge. Tom Wesenburg led me thru my problem. The insulator on the output post was on the wrong side and not letting the field coils ground.

About the picture: This picture has the insulator on the wrong side of the right field ground that is fastened to the case. This is what was wrong with this generator. Would motor counter clockwise which is not correct. After putting the insulator between the stud and the ground it would motor clockwise which is correct. Then it would charge.

[Kevin in NJ]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

It would be smart to take it apart and inspect it. Is the commutator round and not worn too much, are the bearings clean and good, are the brushes good, and does the wiring look good. You never know who has down what to a generator of the years.

If you do not have special tooling and understand electronics, it is would be best to send it off to a reputable generator guy.

Once done you would likely only ever need to oil it for the next 50 years or so.