36 Generator bearing oil/grease

W

wright-47

Member
As per the heading what oil or grease is used for the bearings and how often? I used a good quality grease, but it didn't last (bearing got hot). The belt was not too tight. Thanks in advance and Happy New Year to everyone.
 
Generators get hot normally. Front bearing is sealed, rear bushing has a spring loaded trap door to accept a few drops of motor oil when you change engine oil/filter.
 
I must have an older gen then. Front bearing is tapered with felt seal and rear is a bushing and I was careful to tighten the screw in "cap" for the right play. Both have the drip caps. Just wondering what weight of oil to use and how often.
 
I use the oil from the dipstick on my 33, it does lots on miles and never a problem
Lawrie
 
wright-47 said:
I must have an older gen then. Front bearing is tapered with felt seal and rear is a bushing and I was careful to tighten the screw in "cap" for the right play. Both have the drip caps. Just wondering what weight of oil to use and how often.
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None of the early generators for my '35's have sealed front bearings, but they can be converted to shielded or sealed type bearings. There should be a spring loaded capped oiler at the front bearings, and I usually add a couple drops in that when changing oil or when getting ready for a long drive.
To answer your original question, I just use the same motor oil that I use in my cars.
 
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The 36 owners manual and the Ford service lubrication books call for a few drops of engine oil in each cup, at oil changes. Over oiling the rear bushing will cause a build up of the oil on the commutator and brushes. I would suggest replacing the front bearings with sealed bearings. You never have to oil the front again and the new sealed bearings can take much more load. The sealed bearings are a much newer replacement and are offered by Third Gen Auto.
 
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