MTFCA Forum

I have understood that the generator sometimes needs to be charged for it to put current out. I had a short in the cutout and replaced it with a diode cutout. The ammeter doesn't show charge. What is the procedure to "zap" the generator?

I'd say pull it out and get it checked out, if the cut out shorted out then the generator tried to motor, it could be fried.

Or do like I did and put on an alternator! Boy am I glad I did. Works so much nicer. Can run headlamps and even hit the brake
and the ammeter never drops below zero. Pretty nice. Puts out 4 amps after starting, settles back to just a fuzz above zero the rest of the day running.

I find that when my T's set for a long time without running, the residual magnetism in the generator will decrease. It needs enough magnetism to put out a charge to operate the cutout. The cutout will allow the current to flow from the generator to the battery but not from the battery to the generator. To fix this, with the engine running, I take a wire and for a few seconds bypass the cutout. That is I connect the generator terminal to the hot wire from the battery. Do this only with the engine running at a fast idle. Then look at the ammeter after you remove the wire. It should show a charge. This seems to last for a few days, because when I go on a tour which lasts several days, the generator works as soon as I start the engine.
I have never used a voltage regulator, but have seen posted that you should not "Polarize" the generator with a regulator on it.
Norm

I also find that after the T sits for a while the generator will not show any output when the engine is first started. but after a few minutes of running will start charging. Haven't had to jump it off yet.

Our '19 Centerdoor does that after sitting a spell - runs a minute then takes off charging.

What I have done a couple of times is dip a small paint brush in some gasoline and touch the commutator while it is running. If there is any hydrocarbon residue on the commutator it will dissolve it, it only takes about 2 seconds and I had instant charge.

Does it ever catch fire when You clean it. seems like You have all the requirements. Fuel. Oxygen. spark.

Check the Third-Brush?

Thanks Norm, I'll try it today.

My gauge is also not showing any charge. How do I test to make sure the generator is actually working?

Thanks,
Gary

I’m having the same issue. Bad cutout. Could get ahold of one so put on an alternator still no movement on needle. Okay so I attached wires to a new in box meter still no change. Any one have suggestions?

Altair wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 21, 2020 3:44 pm

What I have done a couple of times is dip a small paint brush in some gasoline and touch the commutator while it is running. If there is any hydrocarbon residue on the commutator it will dissolve it, it only takes about 2 seconds and I had instant charge.

This is Not a good idea... I can tell you this from direct experience. I had a generator on my test bench after spending hours rebuilding it. One of the last things I used to do is spray electronic cleaner on the brushes/armature to help lube and set in the new brushes. Worked great, and cleans the dust off as well. Except this one time...I must have used a little too much and it burst into flames. Only for a second or two as it is pretty volatile stuff, but boy did it sure did get my attention. The can I used stated clearly on the back "flammable". Of course I read that afterwards. It's great for dirty potentiometer cleaning in stereos, etc, but not on spark producing armatures. The same goes for gas, kerosene, isopropyl alcohol, etc.

So, given this, I HIGHLY recommend NOT using gas or anything flammable anywhere near your generator or starter when in operation... only very bad things will happen.

AdminJeff

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:50 pm

Our '19 Centerdoor does that after sitting a spell - runs a minute then takes off charging.

After rebuilding many generators now, I've seen this Quite a few times on the cores I get back. Sometimes (rarely) it can be solved by adjusting the third brush, or it's just bad brushes. Most of the time it's the armature starting to fail. Either shorted or open on one of the windings - easily found with a growler test. Replace the armature or fix the short/open, test on the growler, and problem solved.

My Henrietta sat for 63 years before I brought her home. Two days after I first had her running again, the ammeter started up and she has been charging ever since, with no interference by me in either the generator or original old cut out. I couldn't believe my luck. I guess a little bit of running cleaned up the armature somewhat, and away she went.

Lucky Allan from down under.

Allan wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 25, 2020 5:25 am

My Henrietta sat for 63 years before I brought her home. Two days after I first had her running again, the ammeter started up and she has been charging ever since, with no interference by me in either the generator or original old cut out. I couldn't believe my luck. I guess a little bit of running cleaned up the armature somewhat, and away she went.

Lucky Allan from down under.

Ok, so one thing that's easy and can be very effective without a rebuild is sand paper. You can do it in the car. Take some 600 grit at the most and hold it on the spinning armature until it shines up. A small foam brush wrapped with it or even a paint stir stick works well. The idea is to get it flat against the brass armature and break the glaze/corrosion on that surface to clean it up. your armature brushes basically did the same thing Alan, it just took 2 days! The enemy of electrical connections is corrosion. And brass, while being a great conductor, corrodes easily, especially after sitting for a long time, which many of your cars do.

Novice wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 22, 2020 2:25 am

Does it ever catch fire when You clean it. seems like You have all the requirements. Fuel. Oxygen. spark.

There is one more important component fuel to air ratio, and no I have never had a fire. The paint brush is just dipped in the gas only about 1/8" of the tip and just touch the commutator for about two seconds. I have never had ignition develop. There is not enough heat generated and not enough time to develop ignition. The same thing may happen inside a cylinder where the spark plug is contaminated and not developing sufficient heat to ignite the vapors. You have, spark air and fuel and nothing happens you can also be too rich or too lean and nothing will happen.

DickC wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:14 am

I have understood that the generator sometimes needs to be charged for it to put current out. I had a short in the cutout and replaced it with a diode cutout. The ammeter doesn't show charge. What is the procedure to "zap" the generator?

If you bought the fun projects 5055R it should have had instructions and third brush adjustment sheet folded up in there, if not the good news is on the website you can down load a PDF installation instructions for your application. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

The link to the Fun Projects T- 5055R installation instructions http://www.funprojects.com/pdf/5055R6.PDF