A generator with half the brush spring tension doesn't seem like it would be a big deal, but I can tell you from experience it will greatly reduce the output.
For motoring a generator, do as Kurt said, and if you are measuring the current draw used to motor it, I get about 8 to 10 amps with the generator spinning the 1/4 HP electric motor on my homebuilt test stand. So, free of any load 5 amps sounds about right.