Generator Charging Question

Pete / MA

Pete / MA

Senior Member
I recently lubed the bearings on my generator (tube type) and soon discovered the reason for not "over lubricating" the the brush end. It had been charging fine. I had rebuilt the generator a couple of years ago so I was able to take it apart and clean it fairly easily. I bench tested it (motor) and it seemed smooth. I re-installed it with the cut out that I had gutted and installed a diode in when I rebuilt it. Always seemed to work fine.
Now when I first start it up in the morning, the amp meter stays just below (-) zero, and then after running for 20 or 30 seconds at about 900 RPMs it jumps up to +6 amps and then seems to be fine all day. It drops back to - 1 or 2 amps at idle and then sits on +6 amps while under way.
With solid state cut out there are no points so I don't understand the delayed amp meter jump.

It doesn't seem to be causing any problems but I wanted to check with you guys.

Thanks for any advise.............Pete
 
maybe burning off oil accumulation? commutator and brushes should be dry at all times.
I use just a drop or two of hypoid gear oil (it has EP additive) which is very sticky and doesn't fly around all over the place and make a mess, also needs to be lubes less often.

You haven't hurt anything, just take it apart and clean it up real good.
 
You might try removing the band and spraying Brake Kleen, or electrical contact cleaner on the commutator while it's running. I'd do it outside and have a blow gun handy, just in case the spray goes up in flames.

My Omni coil was mounted behind the right headlamp and got wet one rainy night. I fixed it by spraying WD-40 on it, but it also caught on fire, and I had to swat it out with a rag. Drove the rest of the way home just fine.:D
 
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