The Ford Barn

thom · 11-21-2019, 03:45 AM

The generator has not worked on our '21 T Touring in the 3 years that we've had the car. I've been just charging the battery about once a month and putting off getting it fixed, but now the generator on our '28 Sport Coupe has stopped working. I suppose I'll take them both to the local shop, operated by a friend of mine, and get him to fix them.

History · 11-21-2019, 07:17 AM

When you get that fixed, drive that thing on up here and we'll get that gas gauge taken care of.

Patrick L. · 11-21-2019, 07:52 AM

Why aren't they working ? Will they motor ? Did you try polarizing them ?

Purdy Swoft · 11-21-2019, 12:08 PM

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It would be a good idea to have the armature checked with a growler . The problem will usually be one of three things , cutout , armature or the field coils . If you can remove the cover on the cut out , the cut out points will be visible . The cut out is like a cut off switch . When the points close allows the generator to charge . If the points in the cutout won't open and close on their own the generator can't function normally . . If the points never open , the generator will try to motor when not in use and either kill the battery or burn out the generator . If the armature is magnetized the generator can't charge , this is where the growler tool comes in handy . Being as modern vehicles have used an alternator for the last forty or fifty years instead of the generator , most shops no longer need or use a growler . I usually need to replace the field coils more often than the armature in old generators that no longer charge . The brushes , brush holders and springs will often need replacement if obviously damaged . Without the use of a growler and continuity testing device , a person will have to depend on luck or guess work . If a person doesn't have the tools and experience with a three brush generator , I would suggest a rebuilt generator or find an electric shop that can rebuild generators .

I had to depend on guess work when I had generator problems . I finally got lucky when the GMC dealer retired and gave me the growler that he had used back in the days when vehicles still used generators .

11-21-2019, 03:45 AM	#1
thom Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: western NC Posts: 139	caution- generator problems may be contagious The generator has not worked on our '21 T Touring in the 3 years that we've had the car. I've been just charging the battery about once a month and putting off getting it fixed, but now the generator on our '28 Sport Coupe has stopped working. I suppose I'll take them both to the local shop, operated by a friend of mine, and get him to fix them.

11-21-2019, 07:17 AM	#2
History Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: NC Mountains Posts: 689	Re: caution- generator problems may be contagious When you get that fixed, drive that thing on up here and we'll get that gas gauge taken care of.

11-21-2019, 07:52 AM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: caution- generator problems may be contagious Why aren't they working ? Will they motor ? Did you try polarizing them ?

11-21-2019, 12:08 PM	#4
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: caution- generator problems may be contagious Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It would be a good idea to have the armature checked with a growler . The problem will usually be one of three things , cutout , armature or the field coils . If you can remove the cover on the cut out , the cut out points will be visible . The cut out is like a cut off switch . When the points close allows the generator to charge . If the points in the cutout won't open and close on their own the generator can't function normally . . If the points never open , the generator will try to motor when not in use and either kill the battery or burn out the generator . If the armature is magnetized the generator can't charge , this is where the growler tool comes in handy . Being as modern vehicles have used an alternator for the last forty or fifty years instead of the generator , most shops no longer need or use a growler . I usually need to replace the field coils more often than the armature in old generators that no longer charge . The brushes , brush holders and springs will often need replacement if obviously damaged . Without the use of a growler and continuity testing device , a person will have to depend on luck or guess work . If a person doesn't have the tools and experience with a three brush generator , I would suggest a rebuilt generator or find an electric shop that can rebuild generators . I had to depend on guess work when I had generator problems . I finally got lucky when the GMC dealer retired and gave me the growler that he had used back in the days when vehicles still used generators .