generator disassembly

[oldford2]

I have done this before but sort of forgot-

I picked up a "rebuilt" generator a few years ago for an spare. I just put it on one of my engines and does it howl intermittantly. Don't know if it is the sleeve bearing in the back(which can be oiled) or the ball bearing at the front, So, how do I get it apart? there is a "C" clip on the front and then does the pulley unscrew? left or right thread?
CRS is setting in. I am getting to the point where I sometimes forget to zip up after I pee. As it gets worse, you forget to zip down before you pee. Sorry, I forgot again. It is a 46
John

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

There are several types...I assume '46 from your avatar. There should be a simple clip on front of armature as a safety retainer...frequently missing, so don't worry if you see nothing. Pulley unscrews regular RH way. Usually you will need to hold armature, my usual way is a strap wrench. After you get pulley and front plate off of armature, there is some sort of simple clip (do not remember what exactly) retaining the front bearing, which has various washers and felt seals in front and back of it. Clean and pack with wheel bearing grease.

 

[Dennis/Arkansas]

Yeah, it zounds like it is a later threaded type pulley. Generally, once the armature is secured like Bruce said the pulley can be removed by hand. Hit the thread area with some penetrating oil first. I have done several that way. If you must use a tool, be very careful not to bend or otherwise damage the pulley. Dennis/Arkansas

 

[oldford2]

Re: generator disassembly - got it!!

O K fellows - Got it! I got the ball bearing out and went over to NAPA. The guy says "we got um, one for $3.85 and a good one for $11.45". So I got the "good one" and will start reassembling tonite. The sleeve bearing had grease in it and I am wondering if after sitting on a shelf for 4 or 5 years it is the cause of the howl. I will reassemble and test and see if the howl is gone. If not, I will have to tackle the sleeve bearing which looks like "fun".
Thanks for your help.
John

 

[Cecil/WV]

You're unzipped again!!

 

[G.M.]

I changed a lot of generator bearings only to find it was a brush noise. I never realy tried to figure it but I think it has something to do with the hardness of the brush material. Made 7 alternators out of old Ford generators, no more noise. G.M.