Moving the Generator Third Brush

[bogiediver]

How difficult should it be to move the third brush of the '31 generator?

I know if it's been a while, it might be stuck - so let's not assume that. Say it's a typical generator that someone may; on a somewhat regular basis; change the charging rate to normally be for daytime (no lights) use, but occasionally up the output for night driving and then back again.

How much force should be required? Obviously, it can't be too easy so that the brush doesn't move on its own... but it also shouldn't be so difficult that it requires a 2 foot pry bar (exaggerating...)...

And what is the best tool? (not metal I know...)

If anyone has pictures (or video) of how exactly it's done - where to place the tool, where to leverage, etc. - that would be beyond great...



I have the service bulletin page that talks of the new design generator that no longer requires a screw to be loosened - that's the generator I have.

Thanks in advance...

 

[Gary WA]

Not much force, no metal wood stick Don't set to high! moves fairly easy.

 

[ctlikon0712]

I have had one too tight to move, depends on if someone overtightenned it when they reassembled it or not. I removed the rear plate to properly set the tension and to ensured that it was wired correctly.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

The third brush can become quite tight when it hasn't been moved for many years. If you move it with the engine off then you can safely use a long thin screwdriver blade, and use the window opening edge to pry against.

The powerhouse is the only generator that you loosen the screw to move the third brush.

 

[bogiediver]

I have had one too tight to move, depends on if someone overtightenned it when they reassembled it or not. I removed the rear plate to properly set the tension and to ensured that it was wired correctly.

So it is possible that someone may have over-tightened the assembly when it was installed...??

When you say you "...properly set the tension..." - is there any way to be more specific?

Here's why - I believe someone had over-tightened mine before me... in the process of trying to move it, I managed to bend the assembly, such that the brush was at a severe angle - causing the generator to not work (no juice being created).

Getting it back from the rebuilder (turns out it was only a matter of time before it was going there anyway...) and before I leave with the generator, I want to be sure I can move the brush - but, not have it so it will move when it ain't supposed to...

The rebuilder comes highly recommended and will likely have it right - but, I'd like to go armed with the correct info so I don't have to hope...

Thanks.

 

[ctlikon0712]

Mine is a 30-31 short snout genny. There is a screw that the brush assy pivots on and in my case was over tightened so that I was hesitant to use to much force. So I took the genny apart and on the rear cast iron plate, I adjusted the tension by feel. Made sure it was tight enough to stay put, but with intentional pressure, would move to adjust the output. I am just relaying my instance. Good Luck!